March 5, 2009 - Doc recalls nurse's experience at Riverview

The complexities of an institution that was initially intended to provide true asylum to those who sought it are revealed in Asylum, a seven-minute documentary being screened at Douglas College on March 12.  In this production by Douglas criminology instructor Heidi Currie and filmmaker Lisa G., nurse Norma McMurdo shares her compassionate memories of lesbian patients who were not mentally ill, but were considered to be at the time. McMurdo worked at Riverview Mental Hospital in Coquitlam from 1949-1951.  

The screening of Asylum and an accompanying discussion take place on Thursday, March 12 from 4:30-6:30pm, room 2203, at the New Westminster Campus of Douglas College, 700 Royal Avenue (one block north of the New West SkyTrain station). Admission is free. Call 604-527-5723 for more information.

Asylum is part of The Woodlands Project taking place at Douglas College this month. Visit http://www.douglas.bc.ca/community/artsevents.html for details.

-30-