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March 10, 2009 - Play explores institutionalization and its lasting effects on children and families
Until recently, parents brought their children to institutions seeking help. But only the kids knew how it was to live at 'The I,' and many of them couldn’t talk. Inspired by the Woodlands School, a new play Imperfect unveils tensions between individuals, families and systems, revealing what can happen when those considered imperfect are hidden away.
“It’s a pretty dark subject. But I became more intrigued as I continued researching Woodlands and other institutions,” says playwright Mary Burns, a former instructor and chair of Creative Writing at Douglas College, where the production opens on March 20.
After seeing a news report about headstones of deceased Woodlands residents being used to construct a staff barbecue patio, Burns was hooked.
Though the subject matter is gritty and challenging, director Allan Lysell says Imperfect is not meant to be “a trial or accusation.”
“This play asks questions. How can we ensure that we don’t repeat our mistakes? We have improved since the 1950s. But can we do better? Yes,” says Lysell, a Theatre instructor at Douglas.
Burns agrees. “I want people to question the way we deal with people who need our help. And I hope that the audience will have a better understanding of what it might have been like to live or even work in an institution,” says Burns.
Imperfect is one of a series of events exploring the lasting impact of institutionalization on individuals and families across BC, along with the social and historic relevance of institutions. All events take place at Douglas College this month as part of the Woodlands Project.
In 1878, the provincial government opened the Provincial Asylum for the Insane. It was renamed Woodlands School in 1950 and operated as such until 1996. As Woodlands, its residents ranged from individuals diagnosed with physical and developmental disabilities, to those with behavioural challenges deemed inappropriate by society, to wards of the province. Woodlands survivors say physical and sexual abuse by staff was rampant. A class action suit against the provincial government is currently on hold.
Performances of Imperfect run March 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30pm. There are two special matinee performances on March 21 at 2pm and March 23 at 1pm. All performances take place at the Douglas College Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster. Tickets can be purchased through the Massey Theatre box office (604-521-5050).
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“It’s a pretty dark subject. But I became more intrigued as I continued researching Woodlands and other institutions,” says playwright Mary Burns, a former instructor and chair of Creative Writing at Douglas College, where the production opens on March 20.
After seeing a news report about headstones of deceased Woodlands residents being used to construct a staff barbecue patio, Burns was hooked.
Though the subject matter is gritty and challenging, director Allan Lysell says Imperfect is not meant to be “a trial or accusation.”
“This play asks questions. How can we ensure that we don’t repeat our mistakes? We have improved since the 1950s. But can we do better? Yes,” says Lysell, a Theatre instructor at Douglas.
Burns agrees. “I want people to question the way we deal with people who need our help. And I hope that the audience will have a better understanding of what it might have been like to live or even work in an institution,” says Burns.
Imperfect is one of a series of events exploring the lasting impact of institutionalization on individuals and families across BC, along with the social and historic relevance of institutions. All events take place at Douglas College this month as part of the Woodlands Project.
In 1878, the provincial government opened the Provincial Asylum for the Insane. It was renamed Woodlands School in 1950 and operated as such until 1996. As Woodlands, its residents ranged from individuals diagnosed with physical and developmental disabilities, to those with behavioural challenges deemed inappropriate by society, to wards of the province. Woodlands survivors say physical and sexual abuse by staff was rampant. A class action suit against the provincial government is currently on hold.
Performances of Imperfect run March 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30pm. There are two special matinee performances on March 21 at 2pm and March 23 at 1pm. All performances take place at the Douglas College Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster. Tickets can be purchased through the Massey Theatre box office (604-521-5050).
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