Performances
SOME STORIES ARE TOLD. SOME ARE LIVED. SOME COME ALIVE IN THE ROOM.
Performance is at the heart of First Drop Theatre.
We create Playback Theatre performances shaped by stories shared in the moment, as well as scripted and devised works rooted in lived experiences and real-world stories.
Playback Theatre
THE STORIES COME FROM THE ROOM.
In Playback Theatre, audience members share real moments and experiences from their lives.
Our actors and musicians listen — and bring those stories to life on the spot.
As one story leads to another, a room may begin to recognise connections, differences and experiences people did not realise they shared.
Our Playback Theatre performances create spaces for listening, reflection, connection and belonging.
We perform Playback Theatre for public audiences as well as in organisations, institutions and communities.
In organisational and institutional settings, Playback Theatre can be particularly powerful for cohort bonding, shared reflection, moments of transition and creating a stronger sense of connection within a group.
Scripted & Devised Performances
SOME STORIES NEED TIME BEFORE THEY REACH THE STAGE.
Our scripted and devised performances explore human experiences through theatre.
Many of these works are rooted in lived experiences and real stories. We listen, gather, shape and create — bringing different voices and perspectives together in a theatrical form.
Reunion
A PLAY ABOUT DISABILITY, IDENTITY AND INCLUSION.
Performed by people with disabilities. Rooted in lived experience.
Reunion brings stories of visible and invisible disability to the stage with honesty, nuance and humour.
The play opens conversations around access, friendships, mental health, tokenism, policy versus practice, the intersection of gender and disability, and the systemic gaps that shape everyday experiences of inclusion.
In organisations, Reunion can become a starting point for conversations around disability awareness, workplace inclusion and accessibility.
The performance can stand on its own or become part of a larger engagement involving facilitated dialogue or Playback Theatre.
Crossing Over
A PLAY ABOUT END-OF-LIFE CARE.
Based on a book by The Bangalore Hospice Trust — Karunashraya, Crossing Over explores the human experiences that surround end of life and care.
Through theatre, the work invites audiences to encounter questions and experiences that are often difficult to enter through information alone.
The performance can be brought into healthcare, educational and community spaces — either as a performance in itself or as the starting point for reflection and conversation.
Treat with Care
STORIES FROM PALLIATIVE CARE, BROUGHT TO THE STAGE.
Based on real-life stories from the Palliative Care Department at St. John's Medical College, Treat with Care explores the experiences of patients, families and those who care for them.
The performance creates space to encounter the human stories that sit alongside illness and clinical care.
It can be performed for healthcare professionals, students and other audiences interested in engaging more deeply with the human experiences of palliative care.
When the Performance Is Only the Beginning
Not every performance needs to end with applause.
Sometimes, what happens on stage is the starting point.
Our scripted and devised performances can be followed by a facilitated conversation or a short Playback Theatre intervention.
Audience members may share stories, moments or experiences that the performance has brought up for them. In a Playback Theatre intervention, our actors listen and bring some of these stories to life.
We design the format around the people, context and conversation the performance is being invited to open.
Looking for Our Next Public Performance?
Our public performances, open Playback Theatre shows and other upcoming events are listed on our Events page.
Bring a Performance Into Your Space
If there is a story, subject or conversation you want to open in your organisation, institution or community, let's talk.