THEATRE PREVIEW
AUGUST 2024 | Volume 242
She Planted, You Watered, and I Grow
by Behtab Behseta
Blackout Art Society
Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver
Sept. 27-29
From $20
www.phtheatre.org or 604-990-3474
BUY TICKETS
She Planted, You Watered, and I Grow:
A young woman’s journey of migration and resilience
Presentation House Theatre (PHT) and Blackout Art Society are proud to present BehtabBehseta's one-woman show She Planted, You Watered, and I Grow, a deeply personal and poignant story about learning to cope with trauma and growing from your experiences.
She Planted, You Watered, and I Grow tells the story of a young woman who has migrated to Canada, struggling with an estranged relationship with her family, her past, and her home country. As she tries to settle into her new life, she is haunted by triggering flashbacks that bring her past traumas to the surface. Desperate to stay grounded, she employs every tool at her disposal but refuses to seek closure by confronting those who could help her heal. Her internal battle escalates, leading to a breakdown. Finally, fearing for her mental and physical health, she turns to professional support in a bid to find peace and healing.
Behseta’s inspiration for this story came from her own experiences and those of her peers, who, like her, grappled with the intricate challenges of migration and the lingering impact of their family histories. "I created my story during the pandemic, using it as a means to reconcile with many aspects of my youth, my move to Canada, and the challenges I faced along the way," explains Behseta. "Initially, I titled the play Intergenerational Trauma and How to Deal with It because I was deeply engaged in understanding my roots and the impact of my family’s decisions on my life."
In 2022, Behseta’s piece was selected for the STAND Festival. Under the mentorship of Derek Chan, Managing Artistic Director of Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, Behseta developed a 30-minute version of the play. Her performance received great feedback from audiences, and Behseta was invited back to create a full-length version for the following year's STAND Festival in 2023. She was able to interview with Stir, sharing her insights on her piece and how intergenerational trauma is not only something you cope with, but something you can grow from.
Now, with the support of PHT and Blackout Art Society, Behseta is preparing for the production’s first ever limited run.
"What excites me most for audiences this year is to witness the final work, where the inner layers of the character resonate with many people, and to see how a familiar story of generational trauma can evolve and heal," says Behseta.
She Planted, You Watered, and I Grow is on stage at Presentation House Theatre from September 27 – 29, 2024. Tickets are on sale a phtheatre.org/box-office/ or 604-990-3474. For more information and show details, please visit www.phtheatre.org/
About Blackout Art Society:
In 2012, Vancouver, BC, witnessed the inception of a unique theatrical force: Blackout Theatre. Initially emerging as an ad hoc theatre ensemble, we passionately set our sights on creating socially aware and pioneering theatre experiences that resonated deeply with the Persian community. With the invaluable contributions of local Persian artists, our first four years were marked by performances that echoed our cultural heritage and enlightened our audiences.
Taking a significant leap in 2017, Blackout Theatre transformed into a registered not-for-profit organization in British Columbia, Blackout Art Society.
As we evolved, our vision broadened. While the essence of our Persian roots remains undeniably central to our identity, our aspirations extend beyond. We envision a theatre that bridges linguistic and cultural divides, producing enthralling pieces in both Persian and English. We aim to connect with a diverse audience spectrum and secure our place amongst government-funded theatre establishments.
About Presentation House Theatre:
Nestled in the heart of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale, Presentation House Theatre has become a neighbourhood creative hub, providing the community with a dynamic mix of professional theatre, music, and dance productions — all just a Seabus away from downtown Vancouver. We are the North Shore’s professional theatre company. For more than 40 years, we’ve entertained audiences with innovative programming and quality professional productions in our wonderfully welcoming space. We are committed to presenting and producing shows of the highest standard, and appealing to the diversity of North Shore audiences. We proudly offer programming for children and youth, adults young and old, the music aficionado and the innovative and emerging dancers. We are the cultural hub in your own backyard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
get in touch with vancouverplays:
vancouverplays
Vancouver's arts and culture website providing theatre news, previews and reviews