Feedback from the Stage –
an Annual Conference with Theatrical Reflections
Starting situation
The management of a newly formed company division
gather for their first joint annual meeting. The
purpose of the event is to determine orientation,
facilitate discussion, and provide stimuli for
future development. It is the first time that the
new director of the division has spoken in front of
the entire management team.
Objective
The event is characterized predominantly by
presentations and technical discussions. A short
performance at the end of the day aims to give the
participants a theatrical review of their event and
stimulate reflection on their own forms of behavior
in an entertaining manner - with humor and without
hurting any particular individual. Our task as an
ensemble is to provide playful, tongue-in-cheek
feedback without attacking anyone personally.
Course of action
The event begins at midday. We mingle with the
audience, listen and observe: What are the
presentations about and how do those present react
to them? What is their mood? How do the speakers and
chairpersons conduct themselves? When are the
listeners most attentive, and when do their interest
levels drop? How do the participants deal with each
other? What supplementary conversations are there?
When do hot topics flare up and how are these dealt
with, if at all?
After the conclusion of the factual part of the
program, we forge the images and topics we have
captured into a performance. Using elements of the
presentations, atmospheric impressions, and
overheard statements, we develop a play that we
perform at the end of the day.
The theatrical mirror shows the participants aspects
of themselves – with a good pinch of humor. The
management enjoy the performance over wine and
snacks.
Benefit
We are modern court jesters with an ambitious
task: the performance introduced theatrical stimuli
into a strenuous and intellectual event. The view of
the external observers captured some things that
were always not visible on the official stage – from
the overused turn of phrase to the atmosphere during
the break. Latent topics and moods were expressed
theatrically. Laughing at themselves encouraged
reflection among the participants.
Vox pops
“That was the highlight of the entire event. It
was worth coming just for that.” “The way they observed us was amazing. It certainly
makes you think about your own
behavior.” “I laughed so much. And afterwards the
mood in the room was much more relaxed. I’m
convinced that the mirror
theater resulted in a more open atmosphere among the
participants.” “It’s amazing how behavior betrays the
contradictions between intention and reality.” “Well, one or two scenes were quite revealing. It’s
admirable how they manage not
to show people up when doing so.” |
