The Belfry Theatre premieres Home is a Beautiful Word January 7-19.
Part play, part documentary, this work of Verbatim Theatre contains recorded dialogue from Victoria residents.
The issue of homelessnes is viewed from many angles with surprising results.
belfry.bc.ca
Twas the night before Christmas and I’m dashing through Centennial Square. The square is ablaze with twinkling lights. The fountain gushes forth waves of rose and purple splendor. I’m delighted by the festive scene and gaze around, spotting the only other person in the square. The figure sits hunched on a bench staring intently into a baby carriage. I walk towards her. She wears several coats and furry beige antlers over a dark grey toque. Glimpsing into the carriage as I pass, I see all her personal belongings. The magic of the moment slips away with my saddened heart.
Michael Shamata, Belfry Theatre’s Artistic Director, directs the world premiere of Home is a Beautiful Word. |
All of us who live in this beautiful city confront homelessness, more or less, every day. Many hold strong opinions about the issue, but don’t know what to do about it. Michael Shamata, Belfry Theatre’s Artistic Director, understands the emotions of empathy, guilt and confusion that surround street dwellers. “When I came here from Toronto six years ago,” says Shamata, “homelessness didn’t fit into the picture I had of Victoria.” After ruminating on the subject, Shamata commissioned Joel Bernbaum, actor, playwright and journalist to create a drama. Now, as Director of the play, Shamata is proud of the panoramic overview offered by this unique theatrical experience. |
On Jan 4, CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie hosted a live talk show at the Belfry’s B4 Play with artists from "Home Is A Beautiful Word" and community members. At left is Joel Bernbaum.
Joel Bernbaum wrote his master’s thesis on Verbatim Theatre’s relationship to journalism. Verbatim Theatre uses the exact spoken words of interviewees to craft a story. “The key ingredient in this life-changing research was time,” says Bernbaum. He spent two years interviewing over 500 Victoria residents.
Bernbaum connected with a wide selection of locals by visiting shelters, schools, homes, jails and street corners. The interviews ranged from five minutes to five hours. Humbled by the openness of strangers and intrigued by their fascinating stories, he found that “over and over my assumptions were shattered."
Tracy Moore slept in a homeless shelter as part of her research into this world premiere. “These people are living our worst nightmare,” she says, “they are courage in a blanket.” She voices the words of 14 people in the production and believes the job of an actor is to explore all aspects of life. After experiencing life in a shelter, Moore doubts her ability to survive on the streets. |
 Dr. Bernie Pauly, UVic scientist. Photo: Hélène Cyr
Dr. Bernie Pauly is a Centre for Addictions of BC scientist researching homelessness and substance use. She teaches at UVic’s School of Nursing. "We estimate there are 1650 people using shelters throughout the year and 1100 people homeless on any one night," she says. Dr. Pauly works with the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness on these issues. |
Kevin Loring wrote the successful play “Where the Blood Mixes” presented by the Belfry Theatre in 2009-2010. He believes “Home is a Beautiful Word” transcends its boundaries and impacts the audience in a powerful way. The dialogue opened his eyes to the multi-faceted nature of street life.
As an actor, he finds the challenge of Verbatim Theatre is giving life to the speech patterns instead of building up a unique character. There is an immediacy to the words because real people spoke them, so they must resonate truthfully. |
Kym Hines aka Kym Hothead is active in the Committee to End Homeless in Victoria. The group has regular meetings and are fervent supporters of rights for the homeless. ctehv.wordpress.com is the website were Hines posts his THAW blog (Transform Homelessness Advocacy Watch). “Taking the Fall and Rising” is a 70 minute documentary by Hines that asks the homeless three questions: what is your experience with homelessness, with police and security, and possible solutions? “I’m proud of this film and the many people who bravely shared their stories,” he says. |
On Opening Night some special guests from our community came to celebrate.
This guest (with a female friend) lives at Our Place and has been off the streets for ten years. Our interview was punctuated by big hugs for two “Cart Women” the guest recognized. “Cart Women” deliver warm clothing and supplies to the homeless, and are much appreciated. |
This guest lives in Pacifica Housing and works part-time with a moving company. He spent many years on the streets, “growling at the world from the gutter.” He fondly recalls those who supported him, including Mayor Dean Fortin (then an outreach worker) and Brad Williams (his employer at Capital Iron). “Brad was like a father figure to me. The staff even allowed me to camp out in the yard." |
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Rabbi Harry Brechner leads the Congregation Emanu-El in Canada’s oldest synagogue, located downtown at Blanchard and Pandora. The synagogue partners with Beacon Community Services to offer food and lodging to homeless youth one night a week October to May.
“The sacred texts encourage humanitarian acts,” he says. But as the play points out, the work can be disheartening at times. “It’s like putting bandaids on a gaping wound. We need a major shift in thinking to resolve these issues.” Rae Ann Brechner is a intake social worker at Jubilee Hospital. She explains that a homeless person receives excellent care in the Intensive Care Unit. “But we’re less successful at finding follow up care to prevent a recurrence.” Underfunding also creates stresses for health care agencies. “It’s a complex series of challenges for social workers to juggle,” she says. |
Rabbi Harry Brechner and Rae Ann Brechner.
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Reverend Allen Tysick founded the Victoria Dandelion Society in 2011. His experience with people on the streets spans 40 years. Each morning at 5:30 Reverend Al delivers coffee, snacks and warm supplies to Victoria’s homeless people. He offers his special gifts of presence and encouragement. “I understand the systems and the way poverty and homelessness impact our community,” he says. “Our laws and treatment of the working poor contribute to the problems.” |
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