From May 21 to 24, 2024, the Edmonton chapter of Postmarginal brought together a vibrant and diverse group of theatre artists, cultural workers, and academics for four days of collaborative exploration. Hosted at the University of Alberta Drama Department and MacEwan University Arts and Cultural Management , this event continued the groundbreaking work of the inaugural Postmarginal Edmonton retreat in 2021. Through workshops, roundtables, and special events, participants reimagined what inclusion in the performing arts could look like in Edmonton and beyond.
The Vision of Postmarginal Edmonton 2.0
This year’s gathering delved deeper into the ethical, creative, and logistical dimensions of inclusive theatre-making. Over 50 participants—spanning IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+, Deaf, Disabled, Mad, and Neurodiverse communities—engaged in a shared commitment to fostering equitable and innovative working environments.
The event was shaped by a collective committee of over 20 contributors and managed by a core team of five, ensuring that the program reflected the diversity of Edmonton’s performing arts community. Every participant was compensated for their contributions, reinforcing Postmarginal’s dedication to equity in practice as well as ideology.
Key Highlights from the Workshops
Casting Across Differences
This workshop tackled the challenges of cross-cultural casting, focusing on respectful representation of global South regions like Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Discussions revolved around finding suitable local actors while navigating budgetary constraints, offering participants practical tools for inclusive casting.
The Ethical Tapestry at Work
Running parallel to the casting workshop, this hands-on session explored the ethical implications of casting decisions. Using the metaphor of the “ethical tapestry,” participants reflected on the power dynamics and relational intricacies of cross-cultural work in theatre.
Conversations Through Drama Therapy
Facilitated by drama therapist Bill Yong, this session examined how bodies and nervous systems respond to artistic spaces that lack dignity. Participants explored ways to create safer and more empowering environments for all artists.
Multilingual Dramaturgies: Le besoin d’être ‘mal-armé’
Led by Art Babayants, this workshop embraced the creative potential of untranslated languages in improvisation and performance, challenging participants to break free from linguistic dominance and explore new narrative possibilities.
Somatics and Conflict Resolution
Through movement and dance, facilitator Soni Dasmohapatra introduced somatics as a tool for navigating interpersonal conflict, fostering empathy, and promoting collaborative creativity.
The Power of Community
The gathering was a space for connection, reflection, and action. Special events like Dr. Dwayne Donald’s Relational Walking along the river encouraged participants to engage with Edmonton’s land and histories, while Playback Synthesis by Third Space Playback Theatre transformed participants’ discoveries into a living memory for the collective.
Participants described the event as “transformative”, emphasizing the value of inclusive practices, community-building, and the honest conversations it fostered. Many expressed renewed hope for the future of Edmonton’s performing arts community.
Looking Ahead
As the Edmonton collective reflects on this year’s successes, it is already planning smaller, more frequent initiatives to sustain the momentum. Cabaret performances, workshops, and new productions will ensure that the work of imagining and building inclusive theatre spaces continues to grow.
Postmarginal Edmonton 2.0 demonstrated the power of coming together to share knowledge, confront challenges, and envision a more inclusive arts community. It’s not just about changing theatre—it’s about reshaping how we connect, collaborate, and create.
