disPLACE
Nov 22 - Dec 3, 2016: @ SAMC Theatre
Tour: March 2017 in Abbotsford, Richmond, and Vancouver
Production Design: Graham Ockley and Angela Konrad
Director: Angela Konrad
Assistant Director: Jessica Garden
Cast: Uliana Akulenko, Emmett Hanly, Keenan Marchand,
Kate Nundal, Jane Oliphant
Photos: Michelle Karst
Poster: Stacey Chomiak
Thoughts from the Director…
A compelling and personal account of refugees to Canada, this world-premiere production used verbatim testimony and original music to offer a glimpse into the refugee experience. This show marked the official launch of Dark Glass Theatre.
When we contacted refugees and invited them to share their stories with us, our stated goal was to increase understanding of a complex issue and to foster compassion. We had no idea what we were getting into.
Talking to the people represented in this play was an incredible gift. It was also an immense responsibility. Who are we to bring these stories to life? We know nothing of the hardships they have experienced. We do not speak their languages. We do not share their cultures. They exhibit a strength and tenacity beyond our comprehension. From our privileged position, far from war or threat of war, we could only imagine what they have been through. And we used that imagination – and the refugees’ own words – to bring these stories to the stage.
Daring to tell the stories of others is risky business. But the refugees we talked to wanted their stories told. And when we had the pleasure of sharing this show with them, their response to seeing themselves and others like them on stage was overwhelming gratitude. We were honoured and humbled by their generosity.
There were so many aspects of this issue that we could not tell. Choosing which elements to include and which to leave out was difficult—there is so much more to say than we could possibly fit into 90 minutes. This play offers “a glimpse” behind the headlines. Just a glimpse. Our goal was to make audiences want to know more and to have that curiosity lead them to the place we started: talking to refugees.
Working on this show was an emotional rollercoaster, but one thing remained constant – gratitude. We have so much that we take for granted – homes, food, water, family, human rights, safety… Canada is a remarkable country that we are fortunate to call home.
May we share our bounty.
Angela Konrad
“I wasn’t sure what I thought about refugees coming to Canada, but this production really opened my eyes. Knowing that the refugees’ stories were true made them all the more powerful.”
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