I love you and it hurts

Theatre of the Beat has developed three short plays that reflect lived experiences of elder abuse, healthy masculinity, and intimate partner violence in youth relationships, with a focus on how to recognize the subtle early signs of abuse. The topics chosen were identified by our community partners (experts at Assaulted Women’s Helpline and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region) as topics that need to be immediately addressed.

“be a friend” - by Jessica Moss

The friendships and relationships we forge in our teens and 20s allow us to define ourselves, and survive in a lonely world: but what if those same relationships are steeped in manipulation, lies, and power dynamics? For three interconnected characters, all caught between who they could be and who they’re seen as, subtle forms of abuse can look like a thrilling new kind of love, or the most treasured, oldest friendship. “Be A Friend” is an honest and nuanced look at how young people connect with each other when everyone has roles to play, personas to create, and their true selves to discover; when getting the relationship you need might mean giving up the relationship you depend on.

“Mother” - by Lindsey Middleton

"Mother" explores the dark and desperate realities of financial elder abuse. When a daughter is confronted with personal and financial ruin, her Mother is her last resort. But what is the cost of love? How do we help those we love going through financial and emotional strain? How do we live with and recover from neglect, manipulation and deceit? Can we? After interviewing numerous members of the elderly community who have experienced or witnessed elder abuse in its numerous forms, “Mother” was conceived.

“The Walkover” - By Cedric Martin

"The Walkover" explores contemporary masculinity in the context of a hockey locker room. The play examines the different roles and identities men assume in these spaces and the impact it has on their relationships and communication with others. The production delves into the masks we wear and the barriers we put up to fit into societal norms of masculinity, while also exploring the need for safe spaces for men to discuss their experiences. As one of the last male-only spaces, what can Healthy Masculinity look like?

This project is produced in partnership with our community partners Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Assaulted Women’s Helpline of Ontario.

the immersive experience

Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences are invited to participate in the story, contributing their own experiences and changing the outcomes of the scenes. By using the Forum Theatre model, audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference.

Content Advisory: I Love You and it Hurts deals with abuse, assault, and has course language. Not recommended for audiences under the age of 13.

canadian tour 2023

press

For more information about the show, or for tour bookings email cedric [at] theatreofthebeat.ca

The Creative

The CAST

production photos

Photography by: Nicholas Porteous.

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