Mariette Sluyter & The Foundation Lab:
Ms Sluyter is the founding director of The Foundation Lab, as well as the past Artistic Director of both All Nations Theatre and Spinstergirl Productions. She has been a respected professional in Calgary for over 20 years. Most recently she was commissioned to write the Centennial Play (Sandstone Cowboys) for the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts, her script Funeral Ladies commissioned by Vertigo was a tremendous success with 98% houses (second only to Agatha Christie) as well she has written and performed her own work to tremendous acclaim throughout Canada with Peter Gzowski calling her "one of Canada's finest young talents".
Her focus with in the last decade has been on culling out the voices in disenfranchised communities so that they can be heard by the mainstream. She has worked with Dr Lindsay Crowshoe, at the University of Calgary on presenting the medical issues of Racism and Stereotyping of Aboriginal Peoples in a theatrical and educational format.
Her work with the Seniors Action Group developed intergenerational theatre original bringing together youth and seniors. Jewish Family Services has hired her to work with New Immigrant Seniors on issues affecting their well being in the community and that original production "A Cup Full of Life" debuted in Spring 2008 with tremendous success.
As well she has brought new immigrant youth to the forefront through theatre processes with the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, evoked conversation and ideas on 100 year visioning for ImagineCalgary and developed an ethical recruitment strategy for Calgary Family Services.
Most recently she facilitated a landmark forum Theatre commission to play at the Calgary International Children’s Festival. The production of "Sn@p"highlighted the local and system issues that play into the power struggles that are at the root of violence and aggression in our schools.
The Foundation Lab: "art, research and human development incorporated - literally". The work has come together in a meaningful search to get back to the very
core of what theatre historically was - philosophical. The Foundation Lab uses storytelling as a strategy for human growth and community development and societal
potential. With the belief that the simple act of telling a story has an effect on the path we take as a society.
"Mariette’s passion for social change is infectious. After spending an afternoon with her, I often feel a sense of urgency to create change in my world. I also tend to realize how truly simple change can be and that a little change plants the seed for huge growth."
Joylaine Davis, BSW, RSW
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Aspen, Calgary, Alberta
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