RIOT: reaction & reconciliation - Inspired by GLEE

Created by a group of Grade 10 students from Carson Graham Secondary in North Vancouver, RIOT explores what happened on June 15, 2011, just before and after game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. The students are remounting an award-winning show in the first week of school led by teacher Rob Walker.

Taking inspiration from the hit television show GLEE, the Grade 10 students created a play about what happened in their own community. It's exciting to see work by a large group of students (26 in the cast, 2 in the band and likely another 3-4 on the tech crew). Clearly there is an immense amount of teamwork and energy that's gone into creating this show.

As a remount, the students are doing the show in the Woodwards Atrium under the famous photographic mural by Stan Douglas which depicts an earlier Vancouver riot. The resonance of the famous image dominates the performance; it offers a much more serious image of rioting than much of the play (which weaves in and out of song and dance numbers). I was struck repeatedly by the stark contrast between the teen performers and the inhabitants of the photographic mural.

I suspect that RIOT may have been more powerful when performed inside a theatre. Why? Well, the Woodwards Atrium is a cavernous and unforgiving space. Since the performers are largely working without microphones, some of the dialogue can't be easily heard or understood in the space. Also, there is basically no ability to control lighting as the Atrium is still open to the public throughout the entire performance - so any desired lighting effects to create emphasis or emotional impact cannot be achieved.

Overall - kudos to the young cast and crew for making a strong story that reflects our recent history back to us. If you're interested in checking out a show about the Stanley Cup riot happening in our newest community gathering place, RIOT will be playing for six more shows between now and September 15. Click here for dates and times.