Kinship launches Where Ya From? Beyond Tolerance, a play about pluralism

Since November 2013 young people from Lunenburg and Queens, Nova Scotia, of different spiritual, religious and secular backgrounds, came together on a weekly basis to interact, discuss and embrace differences. The group has co-written a play, created paintings about diversity, made props, rehearsed and performed in addition to learning about pluralism through field trips and guest speakers.

“The Kinship project has provided an opportunity for young adults to meet each other and have a conversation about things that touch the essence of who they are – their beliefs, values and uncertainties. I am confident this experience will influence the rest of their lives,” said Grace McKnight, Project Lead.

Through the direction of local playwright and composer Reid Campbell, the group has taken what they learned and developed ‘Where Ya From? Beyond Tolerance. “Kinship has given me an opportunity to explore peace-making through getting to know the advantages of diversity,: said Reid. The play explores personal and social identity in Nova Scotia, with an emphasis on the appreciation of visible and invisible diversity. It is punctuated with humour, songs and poetry. The play opens on May 4, 2014 at 2:00pm at the Mahone Bay Centre with Q & A and refreshments to follow. All are welcome. In May the play will travel to schools, grades 5 – 12, and other community settings.

Kinship, along with fourteen other organizations across Canada, received a Pluralism grant through the Inspirit Foundation. These projects bring young people together to learn about differences and lead positive change in their communities. Additional funding was received from the United Church of Canada, the Municipality of Lunenburg and the Nova Scotia Dept. of Health and Wellness. We are most appreciative to South Shore District Health Authority for supporting this initiative and to the Atlantic Super Store, the YMCA Lunenburg County and the Mahone Bay Centre for in-kind support.

Connect with the Kinship project on Twitter @_kinship and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kinship