This summer twenty young refugee, migrant and local performers will work together across two intensive weeks, traversing themes of identity, community and belonging, to create and perform the fully devised work I AM…and…I AM, playing on 20 and 21 January at Oratia Settlers Hall.
Alongside weekly workshops held throughout the year, every January Mixit provides this summer immersive opportunity where participants and emerging artistic leaders come together to devise a show from scratch, developed out of a richly provocative theme, all led by a team of inspiring professional artists.
I AM…and…I AM explores the joys and challenges involved when juggling multiple identities in today’s world. The young performers, from a diversity of backgrounds, embrace where they are from AND the place where they now live. How they honour family, community, and customs AND how to navigate pathways forward in a new country.
This year’s programme includes participants from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chile, South Africa, Morocco, Sudan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and more.
Mixit is a creative community project that supports young people by using creativity as a vehicle to develop core life skills, build confidence and increase resilience so they can constructively move forward with their lives. Initiated in 2005, Mixit began offering weekly workshops in 2006 providing opportunities for participation in a creative process as a means to enable individuals to stand stronger, both on their own and united together.
Over 10,000 young people have flowed through the programmes, with many lives significantly transformed. A central focus is supporting young people from former refugee and migrant backgrounds, but Mixit also welcomes local youth and recognises that when young people of all backgrounds come together it helps break down the barriers of difference that so often generate suspicion and tension. In turn initiatives such as Mixit can help build stronger, connected and positive communities.
Under the guidance of Mixit Director, Wendy Preston, I AM…and…I AM will be led by a theatre director Ahi Karunaharan, choreographer Ray Santiago and musician Priya Sami.
I AM…and…I AM plays
Dates: 20 & 21 January, 2024
Times: 1pm and 5pm
Venue: Oratia Settlers Hall – 567 West Coast Rd, Oratia
Gold Coin Entry
