Musical theatre

“Nobody’s Perfect” was performed in 2018 as part of a larger research project called “Ethnodrama Mental Health Education Series.” The Ethnodrama method embodies the lived experiences of the people involved in the show. The goal of this work was to embrace the global movement for better mental health awareness.

The Centre for the Arts in Human Development presented a unique musical play based on the lives of Centre participants and the importance of culture in their lives. Directed by Creative Arts Therapies associate professor Stephen Snow. 

The Centre for the Arts in Human Development celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2006 with a reprise of the highlights of the five original musicals which included Oh! That Aladdin! - the musical that was the impetus for the creation of the Centre. A gala fundraiser with all the past participants was produced and presented at the 700-seat Outremont Theatre. The evening was a tribute to the participants' creative achievements while in the Centre's program and to the accomplishments of its dedicated staff, students and volunteers. Recognition was also given to Centre participants who have continued to use their creative abilities to contribute to the community through the arts.

And Alice Dreams... explores the courage it takes to make our real dreams come true in the face of adversity. In this play, performed in 2000, Alice is a modern young woman who works in a card-playing factory who struggles with her dream to become a singer. Alice's dreamworld becomes the setting for this fantastic adventure. Like all our plays, And Alice Dreams... featured the Centre's participants, adults with developmental disabilities, in the starring roles. 

What role does romance, intimicy and sexuality play in the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities? This performance was the result of a six-month research project, based on a method called ethnodrama, that attempted to answer that question.  

Once Upon a Midsummer Night presented the theme of persistence in the face of challenge. Despite the obstacles, characters in the play performed their own play and found true love. The real lives of the lead actors, adults with developmental disabilities who were participants at he Centre, echoed these themes. Through their persistence and personal strength, they navigated through the obstacles standing in the way of their dreams.  

Romeo and Juliet on Dante Street addresses the interpersonal challenges that can arise in romantic relationships, family relationships and peer relationships. In keeping with the Centre's focus on enhancing self-expression, confidence, and interpersonal skills, the classic story's tragic ending is replaced with one of resolution, hope and humanity. The Centre's participants, who were the lead actors in the play, suggested the setting of the play-Montreal's own Little Italy.    

The Winds of Oz was performed by Centre participants in 1997 and 1998, and used a social integration model with Concordia University students acting as coaches, shadows and supporting actors for the lead actors-adults with developmental disabilities. The story reflected real-life issues of the actors-the quest for independence, security, courage and a place called home.  

The Centre for the Arts in Human Development presented a unique musical play based on the lives of Centre participants and the importance of culture in their lives. Directed by Creative Arts Therapies associate professor Stephen Snow. 

This performance told the personal stories of the actors, adults with developmental disabilities, shared their hopes and dreams, and how they felt about having a disability. This innovative play was developed using a research technique called ethnodrama, and the process was part of a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The participant actors were co-researchers in this process and collaborated in all aspects of the play's creation. Documentaries about the creation of this play have been developed for use in schools and professional conferences.

The Pinocchio in our play makes mistakes, but through courage, unselfish love, kindness and honesty, he realizes what it really means to be human. Through the process of the play our actors, adults with developmental disabilities, explore the theme of becoming real. This great adventure was performed in 2002 with a supporting cast of theatre students, volunteers and adolescents from the Centre's Creative Arts Apprenticeship Program.

Oh! That Aladdin was the impetus for the creation of the Centre. Staged two times, in 1994 and 1995, the performance used an integrated model where theatre students took the role of supportive chorus members, with the main roles being performed by adults with developmental disabilities.