Celebratory Theatre: A student of colours experience with community based theatre for refugees and immigrants
Date
2024
Authors
Kang, Simran
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
“The Salty Scent of Home” was a devised celebratory theater production created by faculty and students of the University of Victoria’s theater department. The project followed seven weeks of workshops with a diverse group of refugees and immigrants from across greater Victoria where they were given space to share their experiences of assimilation to Canadian society as well as the journey that led them here. Following the workshops, was a six week devising process to create a movement based theatrical show to respectfully and accurately share the participants stories on stage. The rehearsal process involved reflections on participants' stories, trial and error of potential forms of physical storytelling as well as approval and guidance from participants to ensure that they were happy with the ways in which their stories were being told. This project would not have been made possible if it were not for the team of diverse students and staff behind it.
Description
Keywords
Theatre, Community building, BIPOC students, performance, newcomers