From Press Release

So, I didn’t get a press release for this one, I just happened to stumble on it, and this is just a copy and paste from their website, but I’m going to pretend it’s a press release.  I love the idea of youth and theatre, figure it’s the only salvation for the theatre community, bring ‘em in when they’re young and hopefully a few will stick…

So, now, about the show:

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Currently in development through a partnership with youth and the Toronto Police Service

This new project focuses on gang presence in our neighbourhoods and the pressures youth face finding social connection and identity.

Why is gang life is so appealing?

Follow one youth’s journey from the beginnings of a childhood friendship, through the development of a neighbourhood gang and demise of a close friend. Created in collaboration with youth who have experienced gang violence, the plot covers snitching, family relationships, friendship, theft, gun violence and many other issues that affect youth living with gang culture in their communities.

Collaborating with professional artists including Chalmers Award-winning playwright, Rex Deverell and hip-hop artists Tru-Paz and Miles Jones, Toronto area youth will be performing a play about gang violence. DISS tours August 14  – August 21 at locations around Toronto.

Youth will perform raps based on their experiences with violence while a DJ spins live beats throughout the show. Developed in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, the play presents the worst-case scenarios of gang involvement, catalyzing audience members to express their voices, making our communities safer.

DISS, an interactive play about gang violence tours August 14 – 21

All performances are free. Donations will go to youth who participated in the show.

DISS will tour to the following locations donated by the Toronto District School Board:

York Memorial CI (2690 Eglington Ave W) Friday August 14 at 7:00 pm

                                                          Sunday August 16 at 2:00 pm

Mary Shadd PS (135 Hupfield) Monday August 17 at 7:00 pm

David and Mary Thomson CI (2740 Lawrence Ave. E) Tuesday August 18 at 7:00 pm

Bloor CI (1141 Bloor St W) Wednesday August 19 at 7:00 pm

Sir Sanford Fleming Academy (50 Ameer Ave) Thursday August 20 7:00 pm

Westview Centennial SS (755 Oakdale Rd) Friday August 21 2:00 pm

                                                          Friday August 21 at 7:00 pm