-
Crossing borders through improv theatre at the Ismaili Centre
Actors from Truth be Told Theatre and by live musicians enacted a life moment in the story of Zarmina Afghani. Ismaili Council for Canada
The Ismaili Centre Burnaby
Canada
Burnaby, 12 July 2016 — Through a kaleidoscope of South Asian culture, the Indian Summer Festival creates a space for dialogue through the performing arts, bringing together artists and visionaries from Canada, South Asia and beyond. This year’s theme Border Crossings inspired artists and writers alike to explore borders beyond geography by focusing on the relationships between social, cultural and religious boundaries that exist in society today.
Vancouver’s Truth be Told Theatre explored the theme through a live theatrical and musical project held at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Basing their performance on the The Life Game concept that they are known for, the improvisational group, together with a musical trio led by Mohamed Asani, spontaneously re-enacted moments from the life of Zarmina Afghani. She, her parents and seven siblings voyaged across war-torn Afghanistan to reach safe haven in neighbouring Pakistan, with the hopes of one day making their way to Canada.
Through the interpretation of an onstage director and actors, Zarmina’s childhood was depicted through an exploration of her experiences, including the social and cultural challenges she faces both as a woman and as a newcomer to a foreign country. Despite her hardships, she shares her positive philosophy with her friends and family, saying: “If you are going through a dark place in life, hold onto yourself and you will get through that.”
Over 100 people attended the event, which was planned through a partnership between the Indian Summer Festival and the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby.
