Body Talk Workshop 2025
Spring Break Workshop for young adults (14 – 19 y.o.)
SPEAK YOUR MIND
SHARE YOUR STORY
ALL TOGETHER
Body Talk 2025 is designed for Indigenous and allied youth, 14 to 19 y.o., who will collectively develop a Forum Theature performance with renown director /dramaturge Renae Morriseau.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 1, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM:
Meet up with Renae in Nanaimo: discuss themes and the process. Explore challenges of young adulthood and ideas for what is required to make that better. Food provided.
Saturday, March 8, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Online meeting: Renae and participants
Monday, March 24 to Friday, March 28, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Workshop VIBE Dance Studio, 1969 Boxwood Road – snacks, lunch provided
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 PM: Public presentation, Snuneymuxw Gym
Renae Morriseau is a Cree (nehiyaw iskwew ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ) and Saulteaux woman from the Treaty 1 Territory on the lands known as Manitoba. She has been creating artistic works for most of her life and journeyed across Canada and internationally in film, television, theatre and music. She has honed her skills by observing, listening, and supporting the artistic works of many individuals who supported her in understanding artistic focus, and creative vulnerability in sharing Indigenous stories in a good way – miyopimatisowin ᒥᔪᐱᒪᑎᓱᐃᐧᐣ. Through all of her community engaged work, she has worked consistently with urban and rural First Nations stories.
Forum Theatre is a participatory art form that uses interactive drama to explore real-world issues. It was developed by Brazilian theater practitioner Augusto Boal in the 1970s.
How it works
- A short play is performed that depicts a central character facing an obstacle.
- The audience is invited to join the performance and suggest alternative actions for the character.
- The actors explore the consequences of these actions with the audience.
- The audience can stop the play at any time and replace a character.
Why it’s used
- Forum Theatre can help people identify and overcome their “internal oppressions”.
- It can be used to explore solutions to real-world problems in a safe environment.
- It can be used to raise awareness and empower people to change reality.
