“If you can’t laugh at yourself you’re missing the biggest joke of your life.”
Anonymous
Author: Vanessa King
Theater for Change
Young actors are telling their stories of life on the street through a theater program called Cobblestone, a performance troupe out of Mixed Company Theater in Toronto. The program, 12 years running, regularly auditions street youth for the opportunity to work with an award winning playwright, Rex Devrell. Together they develop narritives based on real life stories and explore important issues that face street youth.
Deverell is providing the young actors with a place to be heard and the chance to explain the circumstances that brought them to the streets in the first place. In letting the kids know that they are not ignored and are worthwhile the program builds self esteem and has helped street youth get back on their feet. Many kids have gone on to find new jobs and a safe place to live after their experiences with the company.
Cobblestone is acting as a venue for social change while also setting the stage for community awareness. Combine that with the entertaining and interactive nature of their latest production entitled “Voices” and you’ve got one amazing accomplishment in the Toronto theater community.
Voices will have 2 public performances in Toronto on February 9th and 10th @ 8pm at the Alchemy Theater (133 Tecumseth St, 416 515 8080)
Women Gain Independence in Pakistan
Necessity is proclaimed to be the mother of invention, and in quake-hit Pakistan, necessity also seems to advance human rights. Women in Pakistan have traditionally been granted few freedoms, but the recent surge of NGOs and the need for money have both provided women with chances to work – something unimaginable a few years ago.
It’s comforting to see that even if disaster good things can happen.
From the article:
Rights workers say there has been a big change in attitudes towards women and work.
“It is a sudden and vast change,” said Raja Nawaz, project coordinator with the International Human Rights Observer organisation.
“Before this disaster, it was very difficult to get females to work in the private sector or in the NGO sector. It’s astonishing that women have started working outside their homes.”
A Good Quote
Don’t waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
Write for Rights!
On December 10th, 1948 the United Nations presented the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” which describes the basic rights of all people everywhere. Now known as Human Rights Day, December 10th is the perfect day for those who care about human rights issues to take part in making a difference. Amnesty International has put together an event called ‘Write for Rights’ and it is an awesome way for people to contribute a little kindness and generosity of spirit as we near the holiday season. You can write with your family or even put together an event with friends to raise awareness, money and take action against human rights abuses worldwide.
For more info you can visit http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/index.php