In a performance called Courageous Voices, the EAST Alternative School's Grade 8 class honours people who have fought for social justice and made a difference. Courageous Voices begins with the students examining Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”.

 

Each student chooses an individual they are passionate about and they argue that person’s case as a hero/heroine. After the students have successfully convinced their teachers and peers, they research the life of the hero/heroine and develop a speech in that person’s words.

 

The performance is based entirely on the words of the courageous people the students have chosen. The class combines their speeches, weaving together portraits of their hero, the dialogue and music into a powerful production featuring some of the greatest words ever written or spoken. Brilliant every year.

 

Learn more in this short documentary about Courageous Voices shot in 2016 by former EAST parent Mark Korven:

​