conflict cabaret
When a conflict inevitably emerges between people, there is a gap that opens. How do we creatively move across this gap, if at all? Do we strut, do we shapeshift, do we bridge, do we tunnel deeper into the fertile darkness of our souls?
We invite you to join us for an evening of play, practice, and presence, a Conflict Cabaret at Canticle Farm in Oakland.
We'll move through stations, skits, and invitations into story, exploring rupture not as failure, but as a doorway. The evening weaves together forum theater, where unresolved conflicts are brought to life and you're invited to jump in and rewrite the story; embodied rage play and thumb wrestling; grief and water ritual; deep listening and empathy practice; and self-care woven throughout.
This event is inspired by Kazu Haga's Fierce Vulnerability. Our practices draw from improv, playback, InterPlay, Somatics, Theater of the Oppressed, Rainbow of Desire, and the facilitation toolbox of our monthly applied theater space, Liberatory Laboratory (LibLab)
Bring your curiosity. Bring your mess. Invite your friends, lovers, playmates, and conflict partners.
This space welcomes your full participation. No art or performance experience necessary, and everything is adaptable based on your body's capacity. Witnessing is always a role.
QUESTIONS?
Q: what if a person I’m in conflict with comes to?
A: That's ok! We invite you to invite previous, present and potential future conflict partners! But keep in mind this won’t be a space to do direct resolution or mediation - we just hope it brings some shared skills and practices.
Q: Location?
A: fire circle at Canticle Farm, 1976 36th Ave. Oakland, CA 94601. Roughly these coordinates on Google Maps
Q: What is the physical accessibility of this space?
A: the event will be held outside on mulched/grassy ground that can be uneven and narrow.
Q: Do i have to arrive on time?
A: yes! this will be a closed container. we are asking all attendees to arrive promptly at 4PM. the space will close by 4:30pm in order to protect the safety and depth of vulnerability in our shares.
Q: masks or covid testing required?
A: we welcome your mask wearing, it is optional but not required. this event will be held outside. PLEASE stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, new cough, or active digestive upset in the last 24 hrs.
Q: Will there be food?
A: Our neighbor Alma will be offering pupusas (vegan options available) and beef stew by donation. You are also welcome to bring food, drink and snacks to share.
Q: Do i need a ticket or money to come?
A: In the spirit of the gift economy, this event is offered as a gift. AND we celebrate the natural urge towards generous reciprocity. Some ways to share with us in reciprocity include volunteering to support with set up, clean up, or other offers, please reach out through our contacts via email/Luma! We also invite sharing money - suggested donation $10-$50 or more! No one turned away for lack of funds. To practice transparency, we're hoping to raise ~$1,000 total: a portion goes to cover ingredients and fair compensation for our cook Alma, with the rest planning to go to BACACHA, a Bay Area solidarity fund supporting farmers in Florencia, Cuba affected by the US blockade and blackouts.
You can donate in advance via Venmo: @willking, please add Conflict Cabaret to description. We'll also have a donation basket the day of. Please come regardless of what you can give, we want you here!
This is hosted by an Oakland-based Fierce Vulnerability Network theater/direct action pod, the Playgrnd Experience (hosts of LibLab), and Canticle Farm.