Binti's Journey looks at the impact of HIV/Aids on African children
By GEORGE KAGAME
February 19, 2009 1:16 PM
Print E-mail Text
Binti's Journey, a play that explores the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on an orphaned family in Africa, is being presented again by Theatre Direct at their new studio space located in the heart of midâÂ?Âtown Toronto in the St. Clair West Village and housed in the new Artscape Wychwood Barns,
It runs throughout February with performances for both schools and the general public.
Last year's premier garnered a couple of local theatre award nominations (Dora awards) for both outstanding production and outstanding performance in the youth theatre category.
High Park playwright Marcia Johnson adapted the play from a popular novel for youth, The Heaven Shop, by noted Canadian author Deborah Ellis, a Governor General of Canada award winner.
Johnson said Theatre Direct approached her to adapt the book into a play.
She said the author did a beautiful job in informing the world about AIDS and making a personal story out of it. "My job has been simply (distilling) down the book into a beautiful 45-minute play that appeals to different generations."
Johnson said she hopes the play "will add to the influence of the book on the necessity to educate and protect young children, adults and preteens."
The compelling and uplifting story puts a human face on the African AIDS pandemic which has orphaned an estimated 11 million African children. It follows three siblings, including Binti, a former youth radio star performer, who lose both parents to AIDS and are forced to live with relatives who barely tolerate their presence.
Binti's Journey runs February 18 to March 1, including gala performances Feb. 28 that will be attended by the author, Deborah Ellis. Tickets (excluding the gala) are $12-$15 for students, $15-$25 for adults (teachers free). Call the box office, 416-504-7529 or online at the Arts Box Office, www.artsboxoffice.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment