This year's Youth Theatre Unit
was
centered on the development of a new play
by first-time playwright Setareh Delzendeh Less Than A Half is
a poetic, movement-based reflection of a woman’s journey as a political refugee
in a new country. Evocative, simple and very personal, the play
touches on themes of displacement and the search for meaning and identity.
“In the workshop, I found you don't only need to
be an immigrant to relate to this play--you could be from anywhere and any
culture and feel that you are on the same journey"
Setareh Delzendeh, Playwright
In conjunction with four young new Canadians (Mayahuel Tocezautla, Imabong Udoh, Juliette Paola Burgos
and Roshan Ahmadvand), Soheil Parsa (assisted by Andrew Cheng) dramaturged Setareh's
play while exploring with the students how theatre can encourage
expression of individual identity through exploration of shared vision, common
principles and the challenge of difference. The workshop drew from the personal
stories of these four young people, and looked for similarities within the
diversity of their experience.
“Before
this workshop I thought that to communicate with Canadian people I needed
many words, but now I know I do not need words: I have two eyes, I have
two ears, I have my body.”
Actor-Participant, YTU 2007
About
the Playwright
Setareh Delzendeh (at right) is a graduate of Set & Costume Design from Azad University in Tehran,
Iran. She designed several film productions including Protest by
well-known Iranian film director Masoud Kimiaei. Setareh has also directed a
short film, I have become, based on Peter Handke’s Self Accusation. Her
professional experience in film editing includes a documentary project,
non-stop, by Afshin Liaghat (Winner 'Audience Prize', Milan Film
Festival 2002).
After arriving in Canada Setareh designed set and costumes for numerous dance and
theatre companies.
Less than a Half is Setareh's first play.
Photo of Mayaheul Tocezautla by Setareh Delzendeh