Newton & Alice: The Importance of Collaboration
I would like to thank the 800 people who came to experience Newton & Alice: The Musical, starring adults with special needs, during its sold-out, four-day run in The Box at H’art Centre.
As a theatre professional, working alongside the artists at H’art serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of collaboration and inclusion in the art of theatre. At its heart, theatre is a collaborative art form between a number of different artists: playwright, director, designers, performers and stage managers, working together and sharing the same artistic vision in order to creatively tell a story in a theatrical manner. The play was fresh reminder that each one of us, no matter what our ability, is essential to the process.
In many ways, the inclusive collaborative working methodology which theatrical practice encourages can and should be applied as a model of living within healthy and vibrant communities.
This original play, based on the newest book in H’art’s illustrated Newton series, could not have been possible without the help of our signature sponsor Thériault Wealth Management Team| RBC Dominion Securities and supporters: Froujke Staal, KINCORE Holdings Limited, The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport and The Kingston Whig Standard.
Working as lead artist on a number of H’art projects, I have witnessed the opportunities H’art creates for people facing challenges to foster their artistic aspirations through the study, enjoyment and production of works in the arts. This dedication arises from the understanding that diverse identities, perspectives, and artistic practices should be recognized, experienced and valued because they enrich the arts in our community.
I am pleased to say The Box, H’art’s newly developed inclusive performing arts space, continues the dedication to this strategy. It is providing an arts space and artistic resources for the most vulnerable members of society to practise and share their creative vision.
Sincerely,
Kathryn MacKay
Artistic Director, The Box