About
the Book:
Canadian Mosaic is
the first volume in a series of popular drama anthologies edited by
Aviva Ravel. The 6 plays in this anthology, written by
Canadian playwrights, are set in some of Canada's diverse ethnic
communities, including Jewish, South Asian, Japanese, black,
Ukrainian and Cree playwrights. The works illuminate the often
painful world their members inhabit as outsiders to mainstream
Canadian life. The plays explore cultural values, dual loyalties, and
problems of adjustment into their adopted country.
Just a Kommedia is
a comedy by Nika Rylski: A satirical look at the tribulations
of growing up Ukrainian in Canada. Set within the framework of a
frantic church basement variety show, it cuts across ethnic lines to
examine the gap between the second generation of Ukrainian Canadians
and their parents balancing tradition and assimilation. (Premiered in
1984 at St. Vladimir Institute Theatre in Toronto; Cast: 3 women, 3
men)
Path with No Moccasins
is a one-woman show by Shirley Cheechoo based on her harrowing
life story. A young Cree girl endures life at a residential school,
and later heals herself. The play raises issues of identity,
discrimination, and self-destruction, but ends positively. (Premiered
in 1991 at West Bay Public School on Manitoulin Island and toured
across Canada and the US; Cast: 1 woman)
The Tale of a Mask,
by Terry Watada: Immigration to Toronto leaves a Japanese wife
isolated from the Canadian mainstream, while her husband works at a
low-paying job, and her son defies authority at home and at school.
(Premiered in 1993 at the Joseph Workman Auditorium in Toronto; 3
women, 2 men)
Dance Like a Butterfly
is an acclaimed one-woman play by Aviva Ravel: Tillie, a
Jewish octogenarian, reveals vivid memories of her past, and looks
forward to the fulfilling days ahead, in a journey that leads us to
re-examine our conceptions of old age. (Premiered in 1993 at the Beth
Ora Synagogue in Montréal and toured across Canada; Cast: 1 woman)
No Man's Land, by
Rahul Varma chronicles the sufferings of an Indian family that
flees the violent partitioning of India and Pakistan. Quaiser, Jenna,
and their daughter Samreen left India hoping to find a better life in
Canada, but Quaiser and Jenna are cheated and exploited by employers
and landlords; they sacrifice everything, including Jeena's health.
(First produced by Teesri Duniya Theatre in 1992 to sold out houses;
Cast: 4 women, 4 men)
Going Down the River,
by Kevin Longfield: Racial tension underlies the discussions
of a black principal, a young white teacher, and the black mother of
a problem son. The principal's father acts as her conscience.
(Premiered at University of Winnipeg in 1989; Cast: 2 women, 2 men)
Supplementary information for each play includes a glossary,
biography of the playwright, and details of the first production. In
addition, the playwright and editor provide some brief questions for
each play, which can be used in class or discussion groups to
stimulate debate and deeper understanding of the themes.
About the Playwright:
Aviva Ravel is an
award-winning Canadian playwright who has written several plays which
have been performed on television and stages across Canada. She also
taught English, Drama, and Canadian Literature at McGill University.