Teaching Theatre to Child Soldiers in Africa

Hi, my name is Boyd Stout and like you, I desire to make this world a better place.  That’s why I’ve made it my life’s goal to keep that desire beating in my heart: first, by sharing my creativity with the world as a professional dancer, later by working  with children with physical, emotional and neurological disabilities as a dance therapist, and most recently, by helping kids learn and grow as an international school kindergarten teacher in Costa Rica and Japan.  Recently, that desire to make the world a better place has never been stronger than to go to the Democratic Republic of Congo to work with Theatre & Reconciliation in order to help child soldiers and  victims of war crimes find peace and joy trough the power of drama.


What is Theatre & Reconciliation?



For the past 20 years, Theatre & Reconciliation has created productions with actors from vulnerable and marginalised communities including those from conflict zones, diasporas, prisoners, torture victims, drug addicts and asylum seekers. Theatre is used as a means of reconciliation, giving confidence and voice to those who have none. It uses drama as a means of healing wounds and aiding understanding, therefore making the theatre a place of transformation, awareness and reconciliation for both audience and actor. The method is based on a creative workshop with untrained actors who share their histories. 


Watch the Teaser : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSTTfmyMH5A&feature=youtu.be :

Watch the Documentary (English), use password: geminel  https://vimeo.com/191027614 


Who is Frédérique LeComte?



Frédérique LeComte is the founder and main facilitator of the Theatre and Reconciliation method. She is a sociologist, writer and stage director from Belgium. She is an expert in rebuilding traumatised and conflicted communities, organising theatre workshops and performances both with, and for war ravaged communities. In these areas, Frédérique creates a safe space where everyone is free to speak – victims of torture, torturers, prisoners, and displaced peoples. Her aim is to use theatre to discuss issues such as justice, trauma, elections, land and ethnic conflicts. 

Upcoming trip to the DRC

I have been invited by Frédérique to assist her, and perform with Theatre & Reconciliation during the upcoming trip; we will bring  theatre to child soldiers and  victims of war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, July 2-22, 2019.  Along with Frédérique, I will  join twenty individuals comprised of therapists, actors, journalists, doctors and documentary filmmakers traveling to the city of Goma.  We will collaborate with Congolese children and teenagers in rehearsals for three weeks; culminating in a theatrical production performed for the community. 

How Can You Help?

Theatre & Reconciliation is a grassroots not-for-profit organization; for this reason, it is unable to compensate those making this trip. This project is not without considerable cost and risk: for that reason, I am reaching out to those who feel inspired to support a cause with integrity. Help me reach my goal of raising $5,000 by July 22, 2019.

Costs:
$3,000 for Airfare
$2,000 for Housing/Security/Transportation/Food/Vaccinations 

Thank You!

I am forever grateful for your contribution, and will keep you updated. You will  be the first to see the documentary filmed about the project.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Blessings,

Boyd "Z" Stout