The Tree of Life
Storytelling with Puppeteers in Laos PDR2006
In 2005-2006, after an engagement with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in Laos PDR, my colleague Amanda and I (as consultants The Drama Works), were introduced to a group of local actors and puppeteers – Theatre de Kabong Lao.
As official government staff, the troupe were able to work closely with members of other government ministries. After initial workshops, which introduced drama and theatre-based approaches for people staffing the Vientiane Transit Centre for Victims of Trafficking, it became apparent that a further collaboration was pending. With Theatre de Kabong Lao, we developed a play called The Tree of Life.
This was based on an art and storytelling activity, whereby participants draw a tree and each part of it refers to different areas of their life and experiences. Using this analogy, we told the story of a girl who had been trafficked to Thailand and the challenges she faced on her process of ‘return and reintegration’ to her local community. The play travelled to villages along the Mekong river where there were high incidence rates of human trafficking.
Different parts of the tree were brought to life, via some vivid costumes and voices, and ladders. Puppets were also walked about, engaging audience in conversations about the play’s central subject and protagonist. Afterwards, the audience were able to ask the lead actress questions via a ‘hot seating’ technique , and talk to social workers who also accompanied the show.
