Circle of Voices
Abuse, neglect, poverty, crime, racism...all issues many Canadian First Nations and Metis youth face each day. Circle of Voices is a pilot theatre project that attempts to look at one of the causes of these issues: The residential school experience.
The youth, ages 13 to 23, come from a variety of backgrounds, and must learn over the course of eight weeks to work together to write, act and produce a live theatre performance based on their own stories. Elders, community leaders and professionals work with the youth throughout the program, providing guidance and inspiration. This resource includes a traditional culture component, with many of the youth experiencing talking circles, sweetgrass ceremonies and the sweat lodge for the first time.
As opening night draws closer, tensions run high, with conflict causing the youth to confront the past and start on the path to a better future. Will the youth succeed? Only the viewer can decide.