The heart of playback for Jacqueline Masei is honoring the stories of human beings.  Not just the pretty stories or the "right" stories.   Not just the good and not the just the positive.  Jacqueline believes there is not one story that should not be listened to and honored if the teller has the heart to tell it truthfully and with regard to human life and safety.  There are stories in this world happening to us all.  Stories of refugee teenagers living in South City, St. Louis.  Stories of soldiers who fight with honor and dignity and of their families and partners at home waiting for them.  There are stories of rapists and murderers in the Congo and down the street in our neighborhoods. Stories of teachers hopeless and stressed. Stories of profound triumph over genocide and survival of domestic violence. Stories of children trapped in the middle of wars. 

Jacqueline begs you to answer this question:  How can we judge another human being if we can truly listen to their story?  It becomes impossible.   At what age do we begin to teach our children to hate and fear and make judgments through little things like the color of a room or the color of a shirt or dress means this and people who live over there or look a certain way means that.

It is one thing to say you advocate for the voice of children, young people and marginalized communities. It is quite another to follow through. When there is fear and aggressive resistance to serving the voices of voiceless communities for whatever reason there is change happening. 

So as an artist and the Founder executive Director of Playback Workshop Theatre,   Jacqueline Masei is humbled by what the simple forms of playback can do. 

From team building to leadership training and from workshops focused on diversity to fundraisers, Playback Workshop Theatre guarantees to deliver unforgettable performances or tailor-made events that engage audiences, partners or participants in practical exercises that utilize and motivate the body and mind.