Give a Gift
-Hope McIntyre, Artistic Director
As the deadline for a matching program to our endowment fund approaches, I realize that I’m not very good at asking for money. Despite the fact that I think the work we are doing is extremely valuable and has a lasting community impact, I just know that everyone receives far too many requests for donations.
So, why should someone support our work?
1. Thousands of youth have seen our latest touring show No Offense… and explored ways to combat racism as a result.
Darren Felbel and Mary Black in No Offense...
“The students and I found the forum aspect of the production really beneficial. As spectators, they were able to play out their outrage to the injustice of the story. They were able to change the outcome instead of just sitting back and watching, disgusted and angry at the characters’ behaviour and poor choices. This was particularly powerful because it later helped my students to make connections to all forms of discrimination and oppression, not just racism, and the power of standing up and speaking out.” – Julianne Hoyak, Steinbach Regional Secondary School
2. We are currently using theatre skills as a way to provide support and give a voice to women who have been in conflict with the law. Working with the Elizabeth Fry Society, we have met women who are working hard to lead positive lives and need constructive outlets to express themselves. Our group of artists are amazed by the strength and honesty of these women. We feel the reality of their lives need to be explored to help the larger public understand how we can really solve the issue of crime.
3. This year’s FemFest was an amazing opportunity for artists to share their work and for audiences to be affected by powerful performances from across the country. Our shows opened up dialogue on the environment, on women’s sexual exploitation, on mental health and discrimination.
Nan Fewchuk in Chelle
“The thrill of seeing my work performed in a professional venue, the opportunity to participate in a public reading among celebrated women playwrights, the awe of experiencing work from across the feminist spectrum, the chance to attend workshops on dub poetry, the one-woman show, and sketch comedy…this is just a brief account of what FemFest 2010 meant to me. As an emerging writer and now playwright, having my work accepted and presented by the gifted actor Nan Fewchuk—three times over 10 days, no less!—was one of the peak experiences of my year. And of my career-to-date. FemFest has allowed me to cross over from short story writer to playwright, to access financial support through the generosity of the Canada Council and the Playwrights Guild. My participation in Sarasvàti’s FemFest 2010 represented not just one small step for this woman, but a giant leap towards deepening my craft.” – Beverly Akerman
“I’ve also been meaning to write to say that this year’s fest was to my mind the most thought-provoking one yet. Sometimes when making theatre that seeks to transform one can cross the line from raising issues and consciousness to becoming too earnest and preachy, and therefore turn off the very people you want to reach. This year, without exception, each piece of theatre made me really think about the role of women in the world and how my attitudes and behaviours might affect that world for better or worse. I’m still sorting things out.” – Kevin Longfield
November 30th is the deadline for the Endowment Incentive Program. Donate now to our endowment fund at the Winnipeg Foundation and your money will be eligible for matching funds. This fund provides on-going stability to the company and will exist in perpetuity.
Simply get a cheque to our offices by November 29th or go on-line and donate directly through the Winnipeg Foundation.
Sarasvati Transforms' Blog 