In recognition of domestic violence awareness month, Unmute: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender-Based Violence is set to premiere on Zoom, on the evening of November 23rd. The second showing on November 25th will be held in recognition of The United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. 

While a family’s life may seem normal from the other side of the screen, abuse is lurking behind closed doors. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Participate in changing the story through forum theatre.

The Zoom performance is a free event for anyone who registers. There will be industry professionals present at the end of the show to give further insights and strategies for how to help friends and family members experiencing violence at home. This interactive, forum theatre piece will allow audience members to stop the action of the play and suggest different approaches to navigating these difficult situations around gender-based violence.

TOTB is a Canadian, touring theatre company working to catalyze conversations on social justice and its intersection with the beliefs of the communities in which it finds itself. Since 2011 Theatre of the Beat has been staging change across North America by performing original social justice theatre for communities that are not typically exposed to the arts. We have partnered with NGOs and performed over two hundred shows in theatres, festivals, churches, universities, and prisons across Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands. We have created and toured over 10 original restorative justice productions that delve into themes such as LGBTQ inclusion, fundamentalism/bigotry, consent, pacifism, protest/social change, reconciliation/Restorative Justice, and relationship conflict. Due to the physical restrictions of COVID-19, Theatre of the Beat has had to quickly adapt to finding ways of presenting work and connecting with our communities online.

Show Schedule

Monday, November 23rd @ 7:30 pm

Wednesday, November 25th @ 7:30 pm

Thursday, December 3rd @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 5th @ 7:30 pm

For more information and to register for tickets see theatreofthebeat.ca

Produced in partnership with DART (Domestic Assault Response Team of Waterloo Region), Women’s Crisis Centre of Waterloo Region, Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, and Keeping Families Safe.