(Dis)connection

Intergenerational (dis) Connection

NOV 12

4:30 PM
Presentation House Theatre

We invite you to join us for an empowering performance directed by

Dr. Michelle LaFlamme, who is an educator and advocate for the use of theatre for social justice. The development of the show has been supported by Assistant Director Faedra Mirhashemy, Hamed Mafakheri, as Sound designer, and Sebnem Ozpeta, as Visual designer.

This performance developed through a five-day interactive workshop; Participants from immigrant and refugee communities were invited to engage in an interactive workshop to create simple stories reflecting the theme. We used theatre-for-living techniques, image theatre games, and the symbolic language of theatre to devise a brief performance that suggests intergenerational disconnection and intergenerational connection. After the performance, we will have a talkback about the show. The goal of the performance is to spark dialogue that leads to insights about how to create intergenerational connections within immigrant and refugee communities in Canada.

Content Advisory:

This is a devised show, and content advisories may be provided depending on the evolving creative process. Viewer discretion is advised.

Michelle La Flamme

Dr. Michelle La Flamme is a BIPOC Director, educator, and social justice activist trained in Theatre for Living Techniques. She has worked with David Diamond (Headlines Theatre) on devised theatre, Forum theatre, and community theatre initiatives.
She also teaches at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Theatre and English departments.
As a grandmother to Ariana (8) and Audrie (4), she grew up in Coast Salish territory and deeply understands the importance of intergenerational connection.

Faedra Mirhashemy

Faedra has lived in North Vancouver for almost all her life after immigrating to Canada at the age of three. She graduated from the Douglas College theatre program and received her Bachelor of Performing Arts through Capilano University. Faedra has worked in film and television production in British Columbia and is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada.
Faedra believes theatre is a powerful tool to impact social change and help heal communities. After recently completing David Diamond’s Intensive Theatre for Living Training, she is particularly interested in devised theatre approaches.

Hamed Mafakheri

Hamed Mafakheri, also known as Maftrack,
At 12, Hamed Mafakheri, better known by his pseudonym Maftrack, embarked on his musical journey at the Music Conservatoire in Tehran. It was there that he developed a keen interest in electronic music. Over the years, Maftrack has established himself as a reputable music producer and sound editor, contributing to films, animations, and various multimedia projects. One of his notable creations, "Community," earned a spot on the shortlist for the Sound of the Year Award in 2022 in London. Proficient in using DAWs like Ableton and Pro Tools, as well as various plug-ins and synths, Maftrack has honed his skills in sound design and field recording. His collaborations have seen him work alongside numerous talented artists. Some of his recent contributions to the music world include the "Durations" album and single tracks such as "Relics of A Lost Civilization" and "Sporadic Values." He also showcased his sound design expertise for the film "2888."

Sebnem Ozpeta

Sebnem Ozpeta is an immigrant filmmaker and multimedia artist who studied graphic design in Turkey, where she
was born and raised, has been producing documentaries, art and community projects since
2005 in Vancouver BC, on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples -
sḵwx̱wú7mesh, sel̓íl̓witulh, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm nations.
She also completed the digital film program at The Art Institute of Vancouver.
She has been producing short experimental films, documentaries and video installations that
have been exhibited internationally including screenings and installations featured in festivals in
Canada, England, Portugal, France, Germany, Hungary and Turkey.
She has been collaborating and working with artists, performances, storytellers, dancers and
filmmakers for more than 15 years.
Since 2015 she has applied her experiences in storytelling and camera and editing skills by
mentoring youth and adults in “Digital Storytelling” projects.
She also curated program at Public Art Screen and co-curated at Your Kontinent Film & Media Festival, Groupe Intervention Vidéo (GIV).