New theatre workshop helping immigrant youth in Nanaimo share their story
NANAIMO — New provincial funding to combat racism, hate and discrimination is helping Nanaimo youth break out of the traditional stories people tell about refugees and immigrants.
The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society is hosting a new 12-week workshop where youth ages 14 to 19 will create an interactive theatre performance about what their lives are really like and the challenges they’re actually confronted with.
Society executive director Jennifer Fowler told NanaimoNewsNOW they decided to use drama and theatre to share stories because it’s an art form which really speaks to youth.
“It’s a way for them to take ownership of their own expression. It’s not something where an agency is coming in and trying to teach them. It’s about them talking about their experiences with racism.”