new roots | the campaign
Pacific Theatre’s New Roots Campaign sets an ambitious goal: to commission and produce five new works from artists all over the world – writing for theatre, dance, performance, and music.
The theme this year is simple: Plant Good Seeds. Grow Good Things. Building on Ron and PT’s longstanding commitment to working with artists as they develop new work, Kaitlin, the board, and the whole PT team ask you to consider joining us in growing art we can all share.
The campaign runs five weeks, and will culminate in Pacific Theatre’s inaugural New Roots Festival, running June 10-13. A sneak peek at four of the five projects featured during this campaign will be presented digitally (the fifth is scheduled for a full premiere in August.) So, you’ll be able to follow along with the progress of these artists as their creations evolve. The festival is free to attend and you can sign up for your free tickets here.
This campaign has a very straightforward purpose: to support artists who inspire us. Your gift honours these creators as they create through this difficult season (and beyond!). Know that your contribution does far more than just initiate the five works showcased in this campaign. In making our campaign goal of $50, 000, Pacific Theatre commits to equitable work with these artists, and those that come after.
MAKE A DONATION
Donations made during this campaign directly benefit these projects and artists as they create new works. If you’d like to give your support via cheque, e-transfer, or carrier pigeon: please call us at 604-731-5518 or e-mail linnea@pacifictheatre.org. We are always happy to help.
WHO ARE YOU SUPPORTING?
This year’s New Roots campaign resources will fund five projects – from new plays to dance pieces, music and more. Read on to learn more about the works in progress and the artists behind them.
1 | THE MAKERS COLLECTIVE
an interdisciplinary creative hub led by Kaitlin Williams and Ins Choi
The Makers’ Collective is a playful, meaningful approach to generating new work and building community among interdisciplinary artists at Pacific Theatre. It is a group of 9 talented artists – poets, singers, playwrights and visual artists who gather to encourage and inspire one another in the act of making new work. The collective is co-hosted by Ins Choi and Kaitlin Williams and involves storytelling, creating an artistic response to a biblical text, and then sharing the collective’s work. A digital exhibition of their pieces will premiere at the New Roots Festival June 10-12th at PT.
Funds raised from the New Roots Campaign support PT’s capacity to launch future Makers Collective gatherings with additional artists, expanding our reach, and the creation of new work.
2 | THE TETSURO PROJECT
A new play from a vancouver theatre icon
PT has commissioned Tetsuro Shigematsu (Empire of the Son, 1 Hour Photo) to develop a new autobiographical, one-person play. As the brother of a well-known pastor and best-selling Christian author, Tetsuro is so well-versed in the art of preaching he teaches the craft, but from the vantage point of a non-believer. Sit in on his masterclass, and be prepared to experience the sacrament of theatre anew. This piece is being created in collaboration with dramaturg Daniela Atiencia and a workshop reading is scheduled for the New Roots Festival June 10-12 at Pacific.
3 | MARY: MOTHER OF GOD
a christmas musical from Shauna Johannesen and Laura Koch
Pacific Theatre is developing a new Christmas musical, working title “Mary: Mother of God” with the book written by Shauna Johannesen (Common Grace) and music and lyrics by Laura Koch (The Kwerks). Featuring Shauna and Laura’s trademark wit and warmth, the piece will be a modern revisiting of the Christmas story, from Mary’s perspective. Select songs and text will be shared at the New Roots Festival June 10-12th at Pacific.
4 | IN WONDER
storytelling and healing in the great outdoors with Shayna Jones
Shayna Jones (former PT apprentice) has been commissioned to write a one-act storytelling show which will premiere this summer as part of In Wonder – a Pacific Theatre co-production with Neworld Theatre. Her play responds to themes of finding wonder in creation and will explore a “restory-ation” of relationship to nature. In Wonder premieres August 2021.
Another first for PT – we’re heading outside! We want to create a joy-infused, safe event for our audience this summer, and heading outdoors is the best way to do that. We’re looking forward to gathering in small numbers and sharing wonder-filled stories, told by some of the best.
5 | INTERGENERATIONAL DANCE PIECE
a collaboration with Joanna Anderson and the Seniors Centre
In collaboration with the South Granville Seniors Centre, our long-time neighbours in our building at 12th and Hemlock, PT has commissioned dancer Joanna Anderson and sound designer Mary Jane Coomber to create a new dance piece. The artists will meet and connect with participating seniors over zoom to explore themes of isolation, friendship, embodiment, and spirituality. These conversations and connections will serve as the source material for Joanna’s choreography and MJ’s sound design. Part one of this piece will premiere at the New Roots Festival June 10-12th at PT.
This is Pacific Theatre’s first foray into the world of dance. We are eager to pair our storytelling with a new medium, as well as offer opportunities for intergenerational connection and community building.
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