imagiNATION888

In collaboration with Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services, imagiNation's Jenifer Brousseau a frontline Aboriginal Prevention Facilitator is producing and directing a play on suicide. Co-written with Curtis Ahenakew and Duane Howard, the play was written in memory of the late Chasity Smith.(adopted Daughter of VATJSS Executive Director, Christine Smith-Parnell)

Chasity Smith took her life at age 14, on December 5th, 2009. Plagued by inner demons and the pain she carried from a childhood of sexual abuse and FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), she took life into her own hands and made a choice that would change the lives of those who loved her dearly forever. Since December 5th of last year, it has been a healing journey for the entire VATJSS staff, but more than anything, the impact it has had on the community as a whole has moved us all and inspired us in ways we never imagined.
In March 2010, we threw out a casting call for an untitled Suicide Prevention Play now titled "BENEATH THE SURFACE" Those who were meant to be in this project stepped up and answered the call embracing each step of the creative process whole heartedly.

The premise of the play is to educate and to inform youth, teachers, and community alike the realities underlying suicide, the signs in which we can be warned if someone is in danger and the ultimate goal is to bring heart into the matter. This story is partially based on the real life events of the late Chasity Smith but her name has been changed out of respect for her grieving family. There are many facets that come into play in making the dramatic decision of taking ones life, and we have felt it an important matter to clarify on each level going as far back as to our roots and Aboriginal History.

Our goal in the end, is to bring light and hope to the upcoming generation with a taste of reality. Life is a series of choices and a journey in which our youth need to be mentored and guided and given the tools in order to find success. The cast of "Beneath the Surface" is well educated and deeply involved in this play on every level, and is prepared to give their all in whatever venue they perform in.

Our vision and mission is to have our theatre play, ''Beneath the Surface'' in full swing, performing by June 2010. We are seeking corporate sponsorship, community contributions to assist in making this happen. We would love to partner on a continued basis but are also open to a onetime taxable donation. 

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