PlayBuilders of Hawaii is a community-based theater company in Honolulu that is dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness. They collaborate with local caregivers to develop groundbreaking productions that showcase the power of storytelling and the strength of community engagement. Through story circles, interviews, and workshops, PlayBuilders weaves together a tapestry of real-life narratives, capturing the diverse voices and perspectives of local caregivers. Their latest production, "The Super Executive Aunties of the Mālama the Caregivers Collective," written by Terri Madden and directed by Dean Mo and Elizabeth Wichmann Walczak, offers a unique theatrical experience filled with emotion, authenticity, and resonance.
Using a community-based and devised theater approach, PlayBuilders involves community members in all aspects of theater production, including acting, directing, set design, costumes, lighting, and stage management. They hold story circles and workshops to gather stories from the community, which are then transcribed and edited into a play with permission from the participants. The company values the healing experience that participants often find in sharing their stories and ensures that community members have the option to remove their stories from the play at any time. "The Super Executive Aunties of the Mālama the Caregivers Collective" features actual caregivers as performers, highlighting the authenticity and relatability of the stories being shared.
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