As a drama teacher, I have had the honour of teaching many new Canadians from Iraq. Many lived in Syria while waiting to gain entry to Canada. We often explore personal journeys through drama. I met more and more students who arrived through Syria, and it became obvious their temporary sanctuary had become another nightmare. These young Canadians express a joy and visceral relief in the safety Canada provides, one that's infectious, reminding me how fragile basic freedoms and dignity are. When I heard of Leila's initiative, I couldn't not help.
Laura is a teacher and playwright with a passion for social justice. A graduate of the University of Toronto and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, she worked as a Leadership Facilitator with Free the Children / Me to We, before moving on to a production internship at Nightwood Theatre. Laura worked for the Summerworks Performance Festival, Faustwork Mask Theatre, Human Cargo, and co-founded Theatre Recap. Through Theatre Recap, Laura created and co-facilitated Project Pamoja, a theatre workshop for youth in Kibera, Kenya. She is currently an Associate Artist with Glasswater Theatre, and teaches high school Drama, English and Social Science. Laura is proud to work with Syria to the 6 in collaboration with so many admirable women, towards such an important, urgent cause.