Project Description
Between January – March, 2025, Mixed Company Theatre delivered a brand-new initiative “The MCT Forum Theatre Youth Incubator” in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto. This project was designed to support newcomer youth to develop stronger social, emotional and leadership skills while learning the foundations of Forum Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed and MCT’s unique methodology within those disciplines. A group of newcomer youth participated in weekly Forum Theatre (FT) workshops engaging in FT games, Masks of Manipulation exercises and discussions. As participants shared their experiences, they wove them into an FT play exploring the challenges they face and envision in their futures.
The MCT Youth FT Incubator provided newcomer youth with a non-hierarchical, non-judgmental, facilitated, experience to explore their challenges through the art of Forum Theatre while developing social and emotional skills such as increased English language proficiency, communication skills, self-management and decision making. It also educated youth on the methods of Forum Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed while building transferrable leadership skills.
Performance
In the Land of Milk and Honey
On March 15, 2025, the newcomer youth participants performed the interactive play they created through the program, In the Land of Milk and Honey.
The play showcased the challenges newcomer youth face today in Toronto. Everyday situations of taking public transit, participating in job interviews, and buying groceries provoke fears of racial biases, overt racism, violence, stereotypes and more that keep newcomer youth from fully participating in society.
Linked together with poetry and music created by the newcomer youth participants, this presentation displayed the full scope of their hopes, fears, and desires for an inclusive and safe future.
After seeing these scenes, the audience was invited to change what happened in the scenes. Trained facilitators invited audience members to comment on the scenes, replace characters, and try out their own strategies to foster a positive, alternative ending to the challenges presented. Together, we “rehearsed for reality” and found new ways to create a more inclusive society for all.
Created and performed by newcomer youth from the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Scripted by Heather Cherron von Atzigen. Facilitated by Heather Cherron von Atzigen, Swetha Ranganathan, and Simon Malbogat.
Creative Team
Heather Cherron von Atzigen
Playwright | Facilitator
Heather Cherron von Atzigen was first introduced to Theatre of the Oppressed by Simon Malbogat through his Mixed Company Theatre. It has now been over 25 years that she has been an associate artist with Mixed Company. Heather recently wrote, created a song, directed and co-facilitated “PUSH” a virtual Forum Theatre piece about the culture of sexual assault on post-secondary campuses. “PUSH” was followed up with another virtual creation, “I Carry with Me”; a poignant hit of reality on race and privilege, where she once again was entrusted to create a script with movement, poetry, a song and of course very real challenges. Heather also performed as Marissa in MCT’s live and virtual tour, in Catherine Frid’s “Two-Sided Mirror”. While there have been many highlights with MCT, being nominated with the rest of the cast of “DISS”, for a Dora Mavor Moore award really stands out.
Simon Malbogat
Facilitator
Simon Malbogat co-founded Mixed Company Theatre in 1983 and has been the Artistic Director since 1989. In 1992 Mixed Company Theatre became Canada’s first CTO (Centre for Theatre of the Oppressed). Simon has over thirty years’ experience as a director, dramaturg, teacher, actor, and workshop facilitator. Teaching highlights include University of Toronto, Concordia University, York University, Humber College, Brock University and Queen’s University. Simon has facilitated hundreds of workshops for youths and adults in Europe, South America, USA, and Canada and has facilitated over 1,000 Forum Theatre presentations. Simon has led workshops in Turkey, Brazil, Finland, and the Ukraine. In Toronto, Simon has been involved in developing the arts in the community with programs for families, women, seniors, youth, homeless adults & youth and persons with disabilities.
Swetha Ranganathan
Facilitator
Swetha is passionate about creating participatory and collaborative learning platforms that change the way individuals and communities think about self-development. Born and raised in India, Swetha worked as a software programmer before discovering her passion for working with communities towards creating social change. She co-founded Apni Shala Foundation, a non-profit promoting dialogue around mental well-being among marginalized communities and children in India. She is a Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) facilitator. She has worked for many years integrating TO games and exercises in community and education programs for mental wellbeing, social justice, diversity. Swetha was previously the General Manager at Mixed Company Theatre.
Community Partners
Funded By
