Playback Theater cast, from left to right: seated, Kim Christman; seated, Raphael Peter; kneeling, Michael Beveridge; red shirt, Linda Metzner; on ground in front of Linda, Deborah Scott; holding yellow scarf, Ike Sloan; with hand drum, Daniel Barber; in front of Ike & Daniel, Emily Lower; with flute, Mountaine Mort Jonas.

When was the last time you left the theatre marveling at our human capacity to love, to change, or to share? When was the last time you found yourself perched on the edge of your seat — watching actors put their creativity on the line, unrehearsed, without a script?

This is an improvisational troupe that invites true-life experiences from audience members, and then retells them spontaneously, using the tools of their trade — words, music, movement and imagination. An evening of playback can run the full spectrum of the human condition, from the tragic to the hilarious. It all depends on who chooses to share their story that night!

Playback Theatre is performed in over 35 countries around the world. The Asheville Company, inspired by Co-Director Raphael Peter, initiated a Global Playback event three years ago by inviting over 90 companies in the playback network to perform a shared theme on the same day. This year, the Third Annual Global Playback Theatre Event will be on Sunday, November 18th. The theme is human rights. The program “Stories that Uncover Our Hearts” will take place at NC Stage Company; 15 Stage Lane (off Walnut Street and across from Zambra’s). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 7 p.m.

The following week the company welcomes stories about Life Stages: Arrivals and Departures, on Friday, November 23rd at the Bebe Theatre, (20 Commerce Street), 8:00 p.m. curtain time. This is a great time to share meaningful stories with family and friends who are visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday!

And during the first weekend of 2008 the company will be back at NC Stage, with a three-show marathon. On Friday, January 4, come see Broken Resolutions, Community Playback Jam, followed on Saturday, January 5th, by a 2:00 children’s matinee “What do Grownups Know Anyway,” and a late night show for adults only at 9:00pm called “Secrets.”

APT tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, students and seniors over 65.

For the full 2007-08 Season, visit www.globalplayback.org or call Raphael Peter at (828) 670-5881.