About Theater of Witness

Theater of Witness is an innovative form of testimonial theater developed by founder and artistic director, Teya Sepinuck in 1986 in which the true stories of people whose voices haven’t been heard in society are shaped into original theater and films performed by the people themselves. The performers share their own true stories of trauma, marginalization, resilience and transcendence. The purpose of this work is to open the hearts of audiences to humanize ‘the other’ and bring people together across divides of difference. Theater of Witness is authentic, raw story-telling that cultivates compassion and understanding while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and fostering empathy and understanding.

Who are the Performers

People whose stories haven’t been heard
Refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers
Prisoners and their families
Survivors, co-victims and perpetrators of violence and abuse
Elders
Police and security forces
Healers
Survivors of war

Teenage runaways
Medical professionals
People living with addiction, homelessness and/or poverty
Peacemakers
Visionaries
People living with dementia and/or disability
People who clean in hospitals

Why We Do This:

In these divided times, a story can warm hearts. A story can heal. A story can bring us together. Theater of Witness brings ordinary yet extraordinary people together, whose lived experiences inspire connection, healing and peace building. We all need to be inspired by stories of resilience, and transformation. Theater of Witness invites audiences to put a face and heart to complex societal issues, cultivates empathy, and celebrates the power of the human spirit to grow and transform.

As one of Theater of Witness’s dearest supporters and colleagues, Eamonn Deane from Derry Northern Ireland said : “Theatre of Witness is a modern phenomenon based on the oldest of needs – the need to tell our story, to be listened to, to find healing for ourselves and for everyone in our ability to empathize, to be generous and find light in the darkest pit.” We do this work to inspire connection, love and peace.

Where

Theater of Witness productions have been created in the US, Poland and Northern Ireland. Performances are mounted in theaters, schools, congregations, community centers, prisons, and at conferences. We bring the work where it will reach the people who may not otherwise have access.

Contact Us