Theatre group tackles abuse
Interactive theatre requires audience participation, explained Cedric Martin as he introduced “I Love You and It Hurts,” a Theatre of the Beat performance held at the Kitchener Public Library on September 30. “Don’t panic,” he added quickly, promising that no one would be coerced or shamed into participating. “But, if you are uncomfortable, hold on…
‘Staging change’
Twenty-six times since November, audiences have had the opportunity to participate in changing the story of gender-based violence. That is how many times Theatre of the Beat, a Canadian touring theatre company, has staged Unmute: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence, a forum theatre piece performed entirely through the video-conferencing platform, Zoom.…
Theatre of the Beat presents free online performances of latest production
Southern Ontario-based dramatic arts company Theatre of the Beat is staging the final performances of its latest production, Unmute. Written by Theatre of the Beat members Cedric Martin, Lindsey Middleton and Kimberlee Walker, Unmute is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. “Immerse yourself in this important…
Keeping the arts alive during the pandemic
Cedric Martin, artistic producer of Theatre of the Beat, knows that live theatre “will be one of the last gatherings to be allowed again” as businesses reopen in the shadow of COVID-19. That reality forced the staff of the Canadian touring company to get creative. With the goal “to keep the arts alive and…
Staging change behind bars
Ontario’s Theatre of the Beat has a mandate of staging change and creating conversations around social justice issues, but that’s also happening in communities beyond the Mennonite enclaves the company brings its plays to. Once a week, a couple of the members of the theatre troupe provide therapeutic drama classes to the inmates incarcerated at…
Peacebuilding beyond borders
The second annual Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival took place in Elspeet, the Netherlands, between June 27 and 30. It brought people together with the aim of reflecting on Mennonite peacebuilding accomplishments, failures, opportunities and challenges in various settings. A number of Canadian Mennonite young adults took part in the conference, including Silvie…
Theatre of the Beat writes play for MCC Manitoba’s 50th anniversary
A 50th wedding anniversary traditionally calls for a gift of gold, but Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba is getting something a little different for their 50th anniversary. Theatre of the Beat is preparing a play in honour of the relief and development organization. The play is called The Forks and the Road. It’s a play…
