Better: An Original Stage Production Inspired by the Stories Refugee and Immigrant Teens
iCal / Google Calendar (.ics)Event submitted by: THRIVE Child and Youth Trauma Services, Hamilton
It started with our Journeys of Change project winning a SpecKids Change Challenge grant. It became a powerful stage play, created by students to tell the stories of their newcomer peers.
And on Tuesday, May 10 we share it with our community for one night only – the public premiere of “Better” on the Theatre Aquarius Stage at Dofasco Centre for the Arts.
What does it really mean to be a “welcoming community”? How are refugee and immigrant teens fitting in and starting over here in Hamilton? What do they want us to know about their daily lives, struggles, dreams, and experiences? Join us on May 10 and experience “Better”, a compelling and original stage production created and performed by talented local youth who want Hamiltonians to be inspired by the stories of our newest young citizens.
These are the stories of Malik, Kensie, and others, whose experiences and journeys differ but have brought them together as they start new lives in Hamilton. “Better” shares their stories – from Haiti, Afghanistan, South Africa, Syria, and Iraq – providing a rare and personal glimpse inside one of Canada’s most culturally diverse high schools on an ordinary day that turns out to be anything but ordinary.
School audiences from across the Hamilton area will see “Better” at the Sir John A. Macdonald theatre beginning April 29 (for booking inquiries contact THRIVE Child and Youth Trauma Services, Tel: 905-523-1020). Then, on May 10, the rest of Hamilton is invited to experience “Better” at an evening performance – all proceeds will support trauma services provided by our OASIS Program for newcomer children and youth.
Tickets for May 10 are $48 and on sale now at: Theatre Aquarius Box Office
We are tremendously proud of the remarkable young people at Sir John A. Macdonald secondary school who have embraced the vision behind this project and brought it to life. Some told their stories, some wrote the script, and others are now in rehearsals as cast and crew. With support from their teachers and administrators, and guidance from theatrical pros enlisted to advise them, they are honouring the newcomer experience in a humbling and inspiring way. We are indebted to all who have made this possible.
Please join us on May 10 for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating what these amazing youth have to teach us.