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07.12.09
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English Info | Infos_about_PT_Feb_2008.pdf |
Patrons: Mayor Birgit Simon (City Offenbach)
District Administrator Peter Walter (District Offenbach)
Founded: 2001
Projects: over 300
Shows: over 2700
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The non-profit association People’s Theater from Offenbach aims at supporting self and social competence in adolescents and children, thereby contributing to the prevention of violence in schools as well as initiating integration processes. People's Theater is a non-profit, Bahá'í-inspired* and an accredited independent institution of the child and youth welfare service. An important element is the People’s Theater Show, which deals with conflicts in an entertaining way by using talk show and theatre elements. By asking questions the audience is encouraged to seek positive solutions for the conflict presented. The association’s projects are realized by approx. 15 young people aged 18 to 25 who serve the society voluntarily for one year, and who work full time for the association. Only the costs of boarding and lodging are provided by the association.
Since its foundation the association is growing and is supported by the following institutions of the city and the district of Offenbach:
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2007: Ippen-Foundation award
2006: National winner of the social ideas competition “start social”, chosen from 560 participants, under the patronage of the Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel
2006: Integration award of the city of Offenbach
2005: “Rabe des Monats“ (Raven of the Month) of the journal „spielen und lernen“ (playing and learning)
2005: Award by the „Bündnis für Demokratie & Toleranz gegen Extremismus und Gewalt" (Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance against Extremism and Violence), an initiative of the Federal Government
2004: “Kreativ für Toleranz - Victor Klemperer Preis“ (Otto Schily)
2004: Award by the Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in the context of “startsocial”
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The 45-60 minute show centres around a mini drama presenting a social conflict in a short scene. At the point where the conflict threatens to escalate, the play is stopped by the presenter.
By means of questions, the reasons for the conflict are worked out and proposed solutions are developed with the audience. Then the actors are replaced by individual members of the audience who try out the different proposals for solutions themselves. At the end the actors show a summarized exemplary solution including as many solutions from the audience as possible.
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In addition to the shows, People’s Theater e. V. offers workshops in the afternoon, in which the People’s Theater show concept is taught to the children. The developed training program includes detailed sessions each focussing on teamwork, moral education, strengthening the identity and conducting discussions. At the same time, the solidarity among the group is strengthened. The training lasts 3 years and its aim is to enable the pupils to organize and perform People’s Theater shows independently with children from elementary schools. By working with younger children, the pupils are supposed to develop a greater understanding for their role as a role model in society.
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In family shows an enhanced exchange with parents and pupils takes place. The sequence of the show is the same as in the People’s Theater Shows in the classes. The issues presented are issues in which more than one generation is involved. The goal is to offer a platform to young and old where they can exchange their opinions about topics and problems within the family and work on them constructively.
* Bahá'í inspired means:
1. The association's philosophy is based on a positive image of man. Every human being is fundamentally good and has many talents which through proper education can be discovered and promoted. In the Bahá'í writings it says: "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."
2. Everyone has the task to develop in himself character building, cultural and positive social values and has to bring forward the steadily advancing culture of the society in which he lives.
The above values include inter alia:
* Honesty
* Justice
* Tolerance
* Cleanliness
* Friendliness
* Respect
* Love
* Compassion
* Friendship
* Modesty
* Moderation
* Courage
* Reason
* Reliability
3. The corporate actions of the association is based on the Bahá'í consulting and communications concept. This is a special form of communication and cooperative decision-making.
The fundament of this consultation is a free, honest and open exchange of views of all parties and their common goal to find the best possible solution for a certain problem. Therefor diverse opinions and different views of the parties are valuable, in order to get a broader solution. The insistence on one's own opinion or the enforcement of its own interest hinder a constructive decision-making process.
4. The members of the association strive to deepen themselves into the above values through reading and reflection of philosophical, ethical and religious texts and writings (including Bahá'í writings) to develop a greater awareness of their importance.
More information about Bahá'í can be found at: www.bahai.org