ShAIDS of Grey hits Toronto theatre

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/SHAIDSGREY08.jpg” caption=”ShAIDS of Grey, an original theatrical production by CURE Canada, will perform at the Betty Oliphant Theatre in Toronto. Image courtesy of CURE Canada.”]Care for Underprivileged Refugee Empowerment (CURE Canada) is taking its landmark original theatrical production ShAIDS of Grey on the road to Toronto.

After a successful first run in Hamilton, ShAIDS will be travelling down the QEW for a three-night run at the Betty Oliphant Theatre and CURE could not be more excited.

“The real reward of the last show was the awareness and discussion it generated in the McMaster community,” says CURE Executive Director Leo Johnson. “Going to Toronto will allow McMaster students to bring that awareness and discussion from Hamilton to a whole new community.”

ShAIDS follows the story of a journalist who travels to Africa in search of a greater understanding of the AIDS pandemic. Through vignettes, songs and dances, ShAIDS of Grey weaves the stories of men, women and children affected by the disease together into a narrative intended to debunk preconceived notions. The journalist's quest yields more questions than answers because in many ways, this is the reality of AIDS.

“We called the play ShAIDS of Grey because in real life, AIDS doesn't leave you with nice moral absolutes,” says co-director, playwright and full-time McMaster student Alayna Kolodziechuk. “In real life, victims are forced to ask real questions about life and death. We wanted the play to reflect this reality in every way.”

Founded by McMaster students Leo Johnson, Alayna Kolodziechuck and Michael Pett, the not-for-profit CURE Canada strives to remove barriers that restrict the development of potential and self-sufficiency for the underprivileged. By approaching global issues in new and innovative ways, CURE encourages people to get involved with issues surrounding education, injustice and conflict in their own communities.

Besides ShAIDS, CURE facilitates a variety of projects, including a community homework club, a day on campus for underprivileged high school students and a series of workshops called Life After High School.

ShAIDS of Grey will run from Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 31 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, located at 404 Jarvis Street in Toronto. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.curecanada.org/shaids.

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[img_inline align="right" src="http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/SHAIDSGREY08.jpg" caption="ShAIDS of Grey, an original theatrical production by CURE Canada, will perform at the Betty Oliphant Theatre in Toronto. Image courtesy of CURE Canada."]Care for Underprivileged Refugee Empowerment (CURE Canada) is taking its landmark original theatrical production <i>ShAIDS of Grey</i> on the road to Toronto.  <br />
<br />
<p>After a successful first run in Hamilton, <i>ShAIDS</i> will be travelling down the QEW for a three-night run at the Betty Oliphant Theatre and CURE could not be more excited.<br />
<br />
<p>"The real reward of the last show was the awareness and discussion it generated in the McMaster community," says CURE Executive Director Leo Johnson. "Going to Toronto will allow McMaster students to bring that awareness and discussion from Hamilton to a whole new community."<br />
<br />
<p><i>ShAIDS</i> follows the story of a journalist who travels to Africa in search of a greater understanding of the AIDS pandemic. Through vignettes, songs and dances, <i>ShAIDS of Grey</i> weaves the stories of men, women and children affected by the disease together into a narrative intended to debunk preconceived notions. The journalist&#039;s quest yields more questions than answers because in many ways, this is the reality of AIDS. <br />
<br />
<p>"We called the play <i>ShAIDS of Grey</i> because in real life, AIDS doesn&#039;t leave you with nice moral absolutes," says co-director, playwright and full-time McMaster student Alayna Kolodziechuk. "In real life, victims are forced to ask real questions about life and death. We wanted the play to reflect this reality in every way."<br />
<br />
<p>Founded by McMaster students Leo Johnson, Alayna Kolodziechuck and Michael Pett, the not-for-profit CURE Canada strives to remove barriers that restrict the development of potential and self-sufficiency for the underprivileged. By approaching global issues in new and innovative ways, CURE encourages people to get involved with issues surrounding education, injustice and conflict in their own communities.<br />
<br />
<p>Besides <i>ShAIDS</i>, CURE facilitates a variety of projects, including a community homework club, a day on campus for underprivileged high school students and a series of workshops called Life After High School.<br />
<br />
<p><i>ShAIDS of Grey</i> will run from Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 31 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, located at 404 Jarvis Street in Toronto. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at <a href="http://www.curecanada.org/shaids">www.curecanada.org/shaids</a>.<br />

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