Schools

UMEI Participated in Project on Gender-Based Violence ‘UNMUTE’

Isabel Neufeld (Grade 11) and Tiffany Redekop (Grade 12) participating in ‘UNMUTE’

The pandemic brought with it many hardships, but one was the rise of gender-based violence within families. On March 30, 2022 students at UMEI Christian High School had the opportunity to practice how they might intervene when they suspect domestic violence may be happening to someone that they know.

The Grade 11 and 12 students participated in “UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender-Based Violence,” a virtual forum theatre project presented by social-justice theatre group Theatre of the Beat.  The performance, created uniquely for Zoom, starts with a “problem play” that is performed using live actors until the conclusion of the play.

“The audience sees what can happen when people don’t speak up,” explained teacher organizer Chani Wiens.  “It shows how challenging it can be for people adjacent to a situation, friends or family, to know how and when to intervene, especially if they don’t have proof that abuse is happening.”

Then, in the second act, certain scenes are replayed and students have the opportunity to say “Stop!” and make suggestions of what the characters could do differently. The actors test out these suggestions in real time.

Tiffany and Isabel taking part in the virtual production

Grade 11 student Isabel Neufeld was one of the students who participated.

“After watching UNMUTE, I found a new perspective on domestic violence,” commented Isabel. “I learned more about what the people around you should do, and how to be aware when something is off. During the interactive portion, I learned more about how to properly act in this situation and how important it is to be a non-judgmental support person.”

Teacher Joel Warkentin was also impressed. “The play was unlike anything I have ever seen,” said Warkentin. “At first, I was a bit doubtful that the format would draw me in, but it was a fantastic medium to foster discussion on domestic violence.”

In the end, Warkentin and other students reported some feelings of helplessness but also a strong obligation to keep learning. “Learning where to get other resources and how to find resources for yourself is so important,” explained Isabel.

UNMUTE has two free Zoom shows on April 8 and April 10. Find out more at www.theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute.

Photos provided by UMEI

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