4-Winds Theatre group heals people through drama

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What had started as a community project turned out to be one of Alberta's finest Native theatre groups from Hobbema.

The 4-Winds Theatre group came together because they wanted to show people how they can express and heal themselves through drama.

"In 1987 people were talking about suicide, doing nothing," says Darrel Wildcat, Four Winds member.

The crowds to their first show "It's My Life", were small. Only two hundred people showed up after four shows. However, a commitment to continue was there.

"The audience sees the show at the community situation or even a national situation. It's My Life was not to categorize but to look at it (suicide) as a national crisis," says Melvin John.

The group has focused on young people with problems. It allows them to open up and it gives their counsellors a chance to break through and deal with the problems that the teenager faces, says Rosa John.

There was one time when one of the masks made were totally deformed on one side while the other half was completely flat.

"The boy who made the mask seemed really quiet, never talked or looked at you. I found out later he was physically abused a lot," she said.

4-Winds Theatre also does workshops with adults.

"Adults forget how to play," says Rosa John. The group shows them breathing techniques, voice projection, physical communication and theatre games. It's a method of communication and a way to relieve stress.

4-Winds members Lori Wildcat and Rosa John are currently working on a play called Dreamstick, scheduled for January. Dreamstick will look at how peer pressure affects young people at the school level.

Darrel Wildcat is also working on a play called Generations. It will take the audience back to the days of the residential schools and focus on sexual abuse.

Generations, will not be ready until the spring.