On 25 October 2026, the Listopad playback theatre team closed our core training in Riga with the performance “Life as a Miracle”. Marija Bambuļaka, head of the Baltic Playback Theatre and Psychodrama School, led the course.
How the course ended
The core training is a beginner course that introduces the practice of playback theatre. Participants studied for three days, then stepped onto the stage and performed.
Performing after only three days takes courage. That courage has become a signature of Marija’s groups.
Why the team chose the name Listopad
Listopad is the Russian word for leaf fall (in Ukrainian and Polish, it means November). Autumn is a difficult season, however beautiful it is. Many people have run low on energy, and many feel burnout and deep fatigue.
Being together helps. You can fall like an autumn leaf into a pile of other leaves that smell of autumn, rain and childhood. There you can lie still, simply be, and regain your strength. That is exactly what the participants did together.
“I am proud of my students. I always am. I am very lucky with talents.”
— Marija Bambuļaka
What is playback theatre?
Playback theatre is a form of theatre in which actors perform real stories told by members of the audience. A teller shares a story aloud, and the team turns it into a scene on the spot. That is why listening and teamwork matter so much in playback.
BPTPS teaches these practices across the Baltics and keeps opening new groups. You can learn more about the international movement at the International Playback Theatre Network.
Playback in the Baltics is gaining momentum. BPTPS teaches these practices in Latvia and keeps opening new groups.
How to sign up for the next core training in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius
Pre-registration for the core training in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius is open on an ongoing basis. You can sign up on the Courses and Trainings page. Details about the Riga course are in the event announcement.
Core training in Riga: frequently asked questions
What is the core training in playback theatre?
A beginner course that introduces the practice of playback theatre. In Riga, participants studied for three days and then performed.
Who leads the core training?
Marija Bambuļaka, head of the Baltic Playback Theatre and Psychodrama School.
How does the core training end?
With a performance by the participants. In Riga, on 25 October 2026, the team Listopad performed “Life as a Miracle”.
Where can I take the core training?
In Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. Pre-registration in all three cities is open on an ongoing basis.
How can I sign up?
Pre-registration is open on the Courses and Trainings page at bptps.lv.