Every second year, Snow has created the original content play in the form of an ethnodrama that draws on the actors’ personal stories.
“Mental health education usually comes from the ivory tower. It doesn't happen often that impacted people can contribute to knowledge themselves, or that people with developmental disabilities or mental illness can provide education to the public,” Says Bill Yong, movement director of Nobody’s Perfect and a CATS MA student.
Assistant director Lillian G. Rivera Valerdi (another CATS MA student) says that in this process, many participants will appear onstage for the first time. Initially, some were worried about the challenges of performing with learning disabilities, but Rivera Valerdi has seen them “change absolutely” from the Fall to these final rehearsal weeks of the show.
‘I practice every day at home’
Nobody’s Perfect includes twelve adult performers with developmental disabilities, who also create the art shown in the production.
“I love to paint,” says Mike Wilson, a performer who has been involved in the group for two years. Wilson says he practices everyday, at home and at his job. "Basically, I sing. When I came here the first time, I couldn’t sing. I hope it will be a good show. It takes a lot of work.”
“We’re working very hard. We know that it might not be perfect, but it’s in the title! Mostly we hope the audience will have a great experience with us,” concludes Rivera Valerdi.
Nobody’s Perfect has a three-night run on June 14th, 15th, and 16th, at the St. Ignatius of Loyola Church Auditorium, 4455 West Broadway, adjacent to Concordia’s Loyola Campus.
For tickets please call: 514-848-8616 or email: cindy.pratt@concordia.ca. $20 in advance and $25 at the door.