COURAGEOUS
VOICES
The Process
The Courageous Voices project began with the grade 8 class at E.A.S.T. Alternative examining Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”. Each student chose an individual they were passionate about and argued that person’s case as a hero/heroine. After the students successfully convinced their teachers and peers, they researched the life of the hero/heroines and developed a speech in that person’s words (see the hero/heroine each student chose).
The performance is based entirely on the words of the courageous people the students have chosen. Each student also created a larger-than-life portrait of their hero/ heroine (check out this year's artwork). The class combined their speeches, weaving together portraits of their hero, the dialogue, and music into a powerful production featuring some of the greatest words ever written, spoken or sung.
We hope these words inspire you as much as they have us.
Notes from the Director
I am asked “Why do we study heroes and heroines? Why is this important?” My response is simple: all cultures have long passed on knowledge from generation to generation through storytelling and this is what Courageous Voices is all about. We are telling the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. By telling these stories we pass along their wisdom and teachings.
Education today is calling for transformative learning that inspires as it develops empathy. Courageous Voices is fundamentally about stepping into the shoes of another person, attempting to understand their feelings and perspectives, and using that understanding to guide our way.
-Lynn Heath