Echoes of the Heart

A Playback/Theatre-of-Liberation Ensemble in Bellingham, Washington

Echoes of the Heart Ensemble practices the art of community building through hosting theatre games, particularly playback theatre and Theatre-of-Liberation (Theatre of the Oppressed). We serve our beloved community through performances and workshops. Through improvisational theatre, we embody and celebrate the heart wisdom embedded in all human experience. By hosting space for people to tell their stories, witness each other in our everyday triumphs and struggles, we create a safe and inclusive space for the community to reflect upon themselves and regenerate in the spirit of wholeness.

In Playback Theatre drop-ins, I have found a rich place of growth.  Especially valuable to me – aside from simply enjoying creative expression – have been two things.  One is getting better at deeply listening to others, hearing not just their words but the fullness of their experience.  The other is bringing to light archetypes embedded within our shared experience, and finding them truly illuminating.  I initially hesitated to join this group because “I’m not a theatre person.”  In truth, I am a people person, and that’s all it took for this to be a great use of my time.

– Daniel Kirkpatrick, Bellingham Resident

Artistic Director: Spring Cheng and Joe Shirley

Members: Jesse French, Renna Fir, Elizabeth “Mouse” Bird, Daelinar Elfkin

Emotions, Insights and Lives in a Climate Changing World

In this experiential and interactive event, we will support participants to tell their stories of how climate change impacts their physical and psychological wellbeing as well as their family and community. The Echoes of the Heart Ensemble will enact the stories through short skits, improvised movement, and music, creating a space for people to digest their experience as well as share their hopes, inspirations and visions for the future. We believe that when the community can witness its members in their current struggles and challenges, we will collectively birth hope and visions for a thriving future .

This event is sponsored by multi-faith network for climate justice, Stillpoint at Beckside, Unity Spiritual Center and Resonance Path.