In the age of #MeToo, the launch in Ontario schools of an award-winning interactive forum theatre play about consent and sexual violence could not be more timely or important. Sheatre's Far From the Heart will embark on a 34-show tour across the province from October 12-November 10, 2018. Also presented in French as Loin du Coeur, the production will be seen by 5,000 students in grades 7-12, as well as in university, from 20 communities throughout Ontario, including rural areas, the GTA, London, Barrie, and Kingston. Students across Canada and beyond will also be invited to participate in the live streams of two performances on November 9th.

This is the twelfth year that Sheatre, a professional community arts company located near Owen Sound, has produced Far From the Heart. For the first time, an intimacy director has joined the crew to ensure intimate scenes adhere to the highest standards of artistry and safety. Funded for the third year by the Ontario Arts Council (It's Never Okay), the play engages and educates teens about the different forms of pressure and violence in dating relationships, exploring the issues that lie beneath this behaviour.

Audience members have the opportunity to step into action and change the outcome of the scenarios performed on stage. As a result, students get a rehearsal for reality, learning through theatre how to resolve conflicts, negotiate relationships, and avoid risk. A half-hour discussion with professional counsellors from local community groups immediately follows each show.

Far From the Heart is supported by a comprehensive educational package that includes an educational guide, teacher training, and in-class activities to help deliver the core curriculum in the areas of sexual health and violence prevention. To book a presentation of Far From the Heart or Loin du Coeur, email [email protected].

The 2018 tour will launch with a community show on October 12th at the Harmony Centre, 890 4th Ave. East in Owen Sound. This performance is open to the public aged 13 and above. Admission is $15 or pay what you can. 

KINCARDINE
October 15: Kincardine District Secondary School

FLESHERTON
November 6: Grey Highlands Secondary School

WALKERTON
November 7: Walkerton District Community School

THORNBURY
November 8: Beaver Valley Community School

OWEN SOUND
November 9: Live Stream Shows at Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library (English and French)
November 10: Community Show at Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library (French)

Joan Chandler, Artistic Director, Sheatre:
"Far From the Heart / Loin du Coeur gives young people the opportunity to talk about, role play and viscerally learn about some of the complexities of dating and sexual relationships, and to turn grey territory, like consent, into crystal clear knowledge and social change. We can see the penny dropping when people get it. The conversations are engaged, and the interactions are riveting to watch unfold. Because together, as the kids play this exciting theatre game, they’re teaching each other how to safely help someone, about what is or isn’t okay, and about asking if they’re not clear.

Wouldn’t it be nice if no one ever again had to say, 'Me Too'?

Far From the Heart / Loin du Coeur is a partner in Ontario's It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment."

source: media release, Sheatre