From Solitary to Solidarity: Unravelling the Ligatures of Ashley Smith
Written by Melanie Bennett (BA ’06)
Directed by Professor Andrew Houston
This multimedia performance explores issues of mental health in the context of the troubling story of Ashley Smith, a teenager who died at Grand Valley Institution for Women in 2007. Using a collaborative performance approach to try to understand the life and death of Ashley Smith, students investigate the social and political consequences of broken correctional and mental health institutions, and address the evolving perceptions and assumed objectivity of the media. Professor Andy Houston, the play's director, and professor from the department of Drama and Speech Communication explains more on this unique approach to theater, and its importance with such a relevant topic in today’s society.
The University of Waterloo Drama and Speech Communication department invites alumni to fully engage in the topic of mental health. Beginning March 6, 2014 in the Modern Languages gallery the Small acts of repair toward mental health: A space for engagement will be welcoming professionals, community members, alumni, students and guests to see the input from different disciplines across campus and the Kitchener-Waterloo area on mental health awareness in our region. This display will be open to visitors Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, and until 10:00 pm on performance days. Watch a YouTube video from the director, Andy Houston on the importance of audience engagement in an auto-ethnographic performance.
Important information
- Free parking is available on campus however space is limited. Once the HV and lot H is full you will be required to pay for your own parking in lot C, payments can be made with coins or credit card at the blue machines ($5 for the evening).
- Latecomers will not be admitted into the theatre.
- Payments will not be taken at the door, tickets will not be provided. Seating in the theatre will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information on Ashley Smith and this project please visit From Solitary to Solidarity website.