Stage Left Productions, in partnership with the Heart of the Northeast Community Resource Centre, has been working with a group of politically motivated teenaged girls to explore issues relevant to their own lives: social justice, sexism, racism, body image, family dynamics, independents, and the things we keep hidden in our closets! This group had the wonderful opportunity to explore these issues through the use of Image and Forum Theatre, and a special day of exploration with TO practitioner Gisella Mendoza, from Lisbon (read more about Gisella’s exciting TO work at www.teatrodooprimidoportugal.blogspot.com). Gisella was in town visiting family, and came to several Stage Left rehearsals to play with us.

The Theatre of the Oppressed Youth Group will resume its activities in the New Year, and perform the Forum’s they create at community events throughout the year.

Produced by:

Stage Left Productions
Heart of the Northeast Community Resource Centre

Photos & such:

Rehearsal photos

The Struggle is the Blessing was an examination and deconstruction of the revolving door of social services, from the perspective and experiences of street-involved youth. An Agit-Prop performance, this show encouraged at-risk youth attending the Yack Back youth conference to focus on not only eliminating what they don't want in their lives, but working collectively to get what they do want in their lives.

Produced by:

Yack Back Consortium (Calgary John Howard Society, Bridging the Gap, and other local agencies)

Presented by:

Yack Back Conference for Street-Involved Youth - Part II

Performed:

September, 2000
Yack Back Part II
(Hotel)

Photos & such:

Script excerpt

Using masks, slides, images, dance, story-telling, jamming, and social commentary, Acting on Authority provided a strong voice for street-involved youth concerned about issues like globalization, youth oppression, loss of identity, lack of social support, the criminalization of dissent, and street life.

Produced by:

Calgary John Howard Society

Presented by:

Lunchbox Theatre

Performed:

June, 2000
Lunchbox Theatre

Photos & such:

Script excerpt

This Forum Theater production explored issues central to many
street-involved youth's lives: the child welfare system, physical and sexual abuse, society's perception of their roles and value in our communities, political activism, and self-esteem. It was presented at Yack Back Part I, a conference for street involved youth, where they could provide feedback about the programs and services that exist to support their lives.

Produced by:

Calgary John Howard Society

Presented by:

Yack Back Conference for Street-Involved Youth - Part I

Performed:

March, 2000
Yack Back Conference Facility

Photos & Such:

Script excerpt

Ghost River Rediscovery hosts outdoor camps year round for youth that include traditional teachings of mother earth and promote understanding the local environment. Their volunteers go through extensive, hand-on training. Through the use of Forum Theater and direct intervention, Ghost River used the Stage Left model to initiate their volunteers to the issues and participants central to their camps.

Produced by:

Ghost River Rediscovery

Presented by:

April, 1999
Ghost River Wilderness Camp

Photos & such:

Ghost River script excerpt