A story about the struggles and successes of refugees came to Melfort at a relevant time, according to the show’s director.
Natasha Martina wrote Displaced with Sue Mythen in 2011. One of three main characters, Dara, is from Afghanistan.
“At that time, they were the largest displaced people in the world. Now, over the course of four years and then another two years, I would say that’s changed and the crisis in Syria and Iraq is an even larger displaced group,” said Martina after the Jan. 31 show at the Kerry Vickar Centre.
With immigration and refugees consistently on the news, the Saskatoon-based director said the play is relevant.
“I think for everybody, it’s adding something because it’s putting everybody on high alert about what’s going on, and with the topic of immigration and this idea of humanitarian consciousness, what that means to be either a witness or an immigrant or a new refugee.
“I’m very pleased to know that our new prime minister is very supportive about immigration and new refugees and I think that’s a change, so that’s good.”
Martina herself is a first generation Canadian. Her father came from Austria and her mother is Swiss.
The play follows three immigrants: Mary comes from Ireland in 1847, Sofia leaves Germany in 1947 and Dara flees Afghanistan in 2007.
Despite the time differences, each woman faces similar challenges: missing home and those left behind while struggling with a new society, identity and language.
Costume changes occurred on stage, with the actors moving the pieces of the set to show different times and locations.
“The set is a huge, huge component. It’s like a piece of architecture being moved constantly. [The actors] have a lot to think about as well as multiple dialogues as well as multiple characters. It’s a pretty challenging piece.”
Jacqueline Block, Emma Laishram and Anna Mazurik played two or three roles each and changed accents and costumes according to the character.
Block enjoyed the movement aspect of the show.
“I grew up as a dancer and I really enjoy finding that kind of movement through it,” she said. “Also, the subject matter is really super interesting, especially with what’s going on in the world right now.”
Block found playing the role of Mary to be a challenge.
“Her emotional journey is huge: going from nothing to fighting and basically losing everything to have her family come here.”
The show was originally put on for the Fringe in 2015. This year, audiences can watch it in Regina, Weyburn and Saskatoon. Saskatoon’s shows are sold out, a first for the Live Five Theatre.
