New #MLMH Exhibit

MY LAKESHORE – MY HOME was a 10-month long Signature Partnership Project with the City of Toronto’s Cultural Hotspot in 2015. It celebrated the cultures, languages and creativity of the people who call Etobicoke their ‘home’. Developed by the Sirius Theatrical Company and Artistic Director, Heather Dick, the festival was created by, and featured, local residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Beginning with spring writing workshops in the New Toronto Library and followed by backstage workshops in directing, stage management, set / props building, costumes and videography / photography in the summer and then rehearsals through August and September, the community had opportunities to participate in, and learn about, theatre production in a variety of ways. The project culminated in an outdoor interactive performance art festival in which local residents shared ‘their’ stories about life in the Lakeshore through song, dance and theatre pieces that had been created by the community and for the community.

MY LAKESHORE – MY HOME ran from October 1 – 4, 2015 in the Village of Mimico. Led by ‘in character’ guides, audiences followed the action by walking from the Mimico Centennial Library along local streets, into the Waterfront Trail, up through the east end of Amos Waites Park to the patio of Birds and Beans Cafe and then inside and behind Lakeshore Arts. Along the way shorts scenes, a song, monologues and a dance popped up in the most unexpected places. The performance culminated in Nimman Thai Cuisine restaurant. Performances were free.

The candid moments captured in these photographs are a living legacy to all those who joined us on this wonderful journey. Photos were taken by volunteers as well as by our professional videographer/photographer, Aleks Vujosevic, and our videography / photography mentees, Zoie Seferian and Claire Calderwood.