Skip to content

Event looks at use of ‘forum theatre’ in Indigenous context

Presentation takes place Monday, March 9 at UFV campus in Abbotsford
20804766_web1_UFV-Abbotsford-campus--1-
UFV campus in Abbotsford.

UFV professor Cindy Jardine will showcase research on which she has collaborated with several Métis and First Nations communities.

The presentation takes place Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the lecture theatre (room B101) at the Abbotsford campus. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Jardine, who holds the Canada research chair in health and community in the faculty of health sciences at UFV, will discuss her collaborative research on the use of “forum theatre” activities to promote mental wellness with Indigenous youth.

Forum theatre, a form of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, is built on games that foster trust and cooperation to bring individuals together as a community through laughter and a shared sense of belonging.

In this space of trust, participants may then progress to imaging activities that eventually result in a short play that reflects an oppressive situation of concern.

Jardine and several Métis and First Nation communities are collectively working to Indigenize and adapt forum theatre for different groups, geographies and participants.

Audience members will be invited to participate in some basic community development games in this interactive, all-ages event.

Jardine’s research focuses on developing and improving communications around health risks, with a focus on Indigenous and immigrant communities.

Forum Theatre research project collaborators are Gunn Métis Local 55, Frog Lake Cree First Nation, Heart Lake Cree First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation (including the communities of Ndilo and Dettah) and Siksika Blackfoot First Nation.

This event is part of UFV’s Research Encounter Series, supported by the UFV Office of Research, Engagement, and Graduate Studies.

ALSO READ: Kids’ camp in Abbotsford teaches Metis traditions

ALSO READ: UFV students, staff celebrate Métis Awareness Day in Chilliwack