The Edmonton-based Concrete Theatre Association was founded in 1987. By 1989, it was officially registered as a non-profit organization. It began its work as a collective company aiming to use its theatrical productions in the community to research and analyze social issues.
The founders of the Concrete Association were a group of students led by professors from the University of Alberta. The primary goal of the company was to allow people to share their unique stories, change lives, and use collective creativity to explore social challenges. The name “Concrete” reflects the association’s commitment to Edmonton’s urban community. Learn more on edmonton-trend.
Early Steps Toward Success
In 1990, Concrete began working in schools with seminar-workshop projects titled Love, Anger, and the Media. These workshops explored relationships, gender roles, and violence in dating. This unique seminar was held in Edmonton and Alberta schools.
At that time, new actors joined the association, including Padma Viswanathan and Philip McIntyre-Paul. Together, they created a collective project called Acting Our Colours, which examined racial relationships among teenagers. Subsequently, the association, led by its new members, supported various workshops and large projects in collaboration with social services and churches.
Active Development of the Association
In 1994, Concrete partnered with four social service agencies to develop the play Decisions, Decisions, written by Mieko Ouchi for younger students. The play addressed various issues, including racism and drug abuse.
This project was co-produced by Concrete Theatre, AADAC, The Sexual Assault Centre, Planned Parenthood Edmonton, and the Support Network, with financial support from The Wildrose Foundation and the Alberta government.
The association’s cast toured Edmonton schools from 1994 to 1996. Afterward, Concrete began to grow actively. Collaborating with Edmonton schools, they created new educational plays that captivated students.
In 1998, Concrete’s artistic directors decided to create the play Triptych to explore cultural diversity. The play was a success, bringing Concrete unprecedented popularity. By 2001, the association had appointed its first managing director, Marian Brant, under whose leadership structured plays and shows were developed.
In 2015, Concrete’s legendary play Mieko’s New Play challenged high school students. It focused on topics like sexual relationships, gender equality, and individual rights. This project was performed in 65 schools across Alberta.
The association also created plays for younger children. One of the most successful was the production Lig and Bittle, which the troupe performed at Toronto’s Youth Theatre.
Challenges and New Horizons
In early 2016, the association moved from its previous location to a new rented space at the Alberta Opera Touring Association. Initially, the high rental cost posed difficulties. However, thanks to volunteers and concerned individuals, the association continued its work.
By 2018, Concrete participated for the first time in the SOUND OFF Theatre Festival for the Deaf. During the event, association member Elizabeth Morris performed the opera My Mother Never Sung Me. The performance was well-received by attendees, and the national community highly praised Concrete’s actors.
The association continues to delight its audience. As of 2021, artistic directors Tracey Carroll and Corben Kushnerik work tirelessly to develop the association, its team, and their contributions to the community.
