A group of people are laughing and holding on to each other. Text on top of the image reads "Artists in the Library Our Fall 2019 Project".

Project Description

Through Mixed Company Theatre’s Artists In The Library residency at Scarborough Civic Centre, we facilitated safe and creative spaces for members of this vibrant and diverse community to form connections with each other, find solutions to common challenges, and create knowledge using interactive arts and theatre. Through the powerful experience of artistic mediums like movement maps, forum theatre, improv, creative writing, storytelling, and puppet arts, the community discovered deep connections they share with their individual and communal identities. The project brought neighbourhood residents together to connect with each other, while discovering their neighbourhood’s diversity, uniqueness, resilience, and human connections that go beyond identity intersections.

A person smiling and holding a microphone in front of a whiteboard.
A group of people standing single file in a line with their arms stretched out to the sides.
A person with their mouth slightly open, leaning back with their arms stretched out in front of them. A child looks up at them, while another person sits in a chair behind them.

Workshops Conducted | Sept-Nov 2019

CREATING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH STORIES | DESIGNED FOR SENIORS

Build connections with your community while learning about interactive arts and theatre with Forum Theatre artist, Simon Malbogat. Explore solutions to the challenges you face with theatre games and activities while creating and sharing knowledge in the process. No theatre experience necessary. 

PERFORMING OUR STORY | DESIGNED FOR ADULTS (16+)

Tell your story through creative writing and movement in this workshop series led by, Julia Hune-Brown. Improve your writing and performance skills, English language learners are welcome! You will engage in theatre movement activities, and learn to use simple storytelling and writing techniques to craft a performance! No Experience Required.

STORYTELLING WITH MULTIMEDIA | DESIGNED FOR TEENS

Explore spontaneous, unscripted theatre, with Pavla Uppal on Thursdays and Erica May-Wood on Saturdays. Work on your ability to communicate with others beyond differences and leave behind any inhibitions in this fun, safe space where you can be yourself. Learn how to create theatre from anything. No props, set, or experience needed! Creation just needs community!

CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS WITH STORIES | DESIGNED FOR ALL AGES

Use movement and memory as a means of expression while meeting the community that surrounds you. Led by professional storyteller, Rubena Sinha, this program will take you on a journey through different parts of the world while you listen to and tell unique stories, poetry, and tales from cultures that make up our diverse neighbourhood! No Experience Required.

Artists Involved

A photo of Simon Malbogat along with text that reads "Simon Malbogat is an award-winning artistic director and has been on Canada's theatre scene for over 25 years. He has directed and acted in over 50 new dramatic works. His vision is to create positive social change through community-engaged theatre across a wide range of social themes including elder care, senior's rights, mental wellbeing, intergenerational relationships, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility."
A photo of Pavla Uppal along with text that reads "Pavla Uppal is a theatre artist and educator facilitating dialogue in the diversity of our society. She advocates for theatre arts to be an essential part of community life and learning. Her background is in acting, directing theatre for young audiences, and in education. She facilitated educational theatre workshops and community-based theatre projects in the Czech Republic, Canada, and the United States."
A photo of Julia Hune-Brown along with text that reads "Julia Hune-Brown is a community-engaged theatre artist and educator. She works with diverse communities directing and facilitating theatre workshops across Canada. Julia has been co-directing for The AMY Project's theatre creation program and is a lead artist facilitator for Jumblies Theatre. Her workshops have an emphasis on identity and expression through movement and theatre, facilitating sharing of collective and individual stories of underrepresented people."
A photo of Rubena Sinha along with text that reads "Rubena Sinha is a storyteller based in Toronto, who uses her extensive knowledge and experience of South Asian myth and dance to weave stories of life, love, heroes, and demons. She is able to put together a workshop that is specifically suited to the age and cultural background of the audience, as well as touching on the larger themes that are at play in the viewer's lives."
A photo of Erica May-Wood along with text that reads "Erica May-Wood is a professional actor, theatre maker and community-engaged arts facilitator who has worked with participants of many backgrounds and abilities. She thrives on coming together in the community to make art, share our voice and create a story. Last year she was fortunate to be a part of two new play workshops, two Hamilton Fringe shows and a Netflix Christmas move. Erica loves teaching and co-creating with artists of all ages."