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New theatre workshop helping immigrant youth in Nanaimo share their story

Jan 24, 2018 | 10:30 AM

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.”

Fowler said many of the youth who come into the immigrant welcome centre have stories and experiences which aren’t what many in the community would expect and the interactive aspects of the performances will help others understand what newcomers to Nanaimo are going through.

The society asked for $6,000 to run the workshop and the full amount was granted through the B.C. Organizing Against Racism and Hate program, which provided $224,000 in funding for 32 communities across the province.

“This kind of work doesn’t have to be expensive,” Fowler said. “All it needs is a commitment around making Nanaimo a more inclusive community and for people to come together to do that.”

The workshops end with a final performance for the general public in April.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit