Responding to Racism is an award-winning interactive theatre performance developed in partnership with Reconciliation SA to identify, respond to, and prevent racism.

Responding to Racism follows the character of Mik, a young aboriginal student who is putting up with constant racism from his friend and football teammate, Chris. Meanwhile, a new student has arrived at school, Sophia, who is being stereotyped and discriminated against for wearing a headscarf.

The show explores how racism affects people on a daily basis. Specifically, it aims to help participants identify various forms of racism and provides prevention strategies. Featuring a culturally diverse cast, the performance provides the audience with strong role models. The project uses Forum Theatre techniques where the audience is invited to support the characters deal with the problem of racism. As such, the performance is able to use a peer-education approach to find solutions that are relevant to the experiences of the audience.

Since 2014 over two thousand people have seen performances including participation in two annual Reconciliation SA Schools Congress’, with eight full-day events for year 8-11 students that included the Responding to Racism performance and other games and exercises co-facilitated by ActNow Theatre artists, in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Want a Responding to Racism performance in your school, workplace or
conference? Get in contact with us at info@actnowtheatre.org.au

“An excellent and authentic way to have young adolescents engage in dialogue and to accept the complexities and possibilities for compacting racism.”  – Teacher

“really made me reflect on racism and the way it is normalized in our culture. I would personally like to make a difference and assist in the eradication of racism.”  – Student

Reconciliation SA

Reconciliation South Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the people’s movement for reconciliation at a state level. Our work focuses on creating environments in which Aboriginal people can meet their full potential. As a rights-based organization, taking a strong stand against racism is fundamental to being able to build a harmonious and safe community for all South Australians.