The Reach Arts Action Heritage Project will debut the play Peace by Piece – The Musical on Nov. 22 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
Created and performed by an all-ages community cast from Abbotsford and Mission, the production features dance numbers from contemporary to hip hop to fusion, original songs, including a sing-a-long or two, and a combination of serious and funny scenes.
The story imagines a different Abbotsford – a world not too far beyond our grasp.
Director/dramatist Freddy Latham and dancer/choreographer Lorissa Arndt, were inspired by the work of the community cast and the “pieces” that have been created.
Funded in part by a grant from the BC Arts Council, Peace by Piece – The Musical takes some of its inspiration from the exhibition Illuminating Peace by Amy Loewan currently showing at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford.
“Loewan’s list of words that describe peace were a part of our discussions before we got to writing,” said Latham. “We used them as a filter, as well as drawing from the issues and ideas that each cast member brought to the process.”
She said themes explored include bullying, equality, freedom, diversity, gratitude, compassion, creativity and the power of one to make a difference.
Local singer/song-writers Liisa Nessim, Corey Primus, Cheryl Kinchen Epp and Jolie Gardner will be performing their original works in the play.
“My song, Peace is Possible, was written several years ago and never really had a home or a vehicle. The song is obviously about peace, a concept that always resonates with me,” said Primus.
Peace by Piece runs Nov. 22 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, with a matinee performance at noon and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 and are on sale now at The Reach. For information contact Kat Wahamaa at aahproject@thereach.ca. For tickets contact The Reach at 604-864-8087.