Downtown Newmarket will be site of town's first-ever mini-theatrical parade to mark Pride Month

June 11 youth-inspired event will feature activations representing colours of the Pride flag at different venues

Yorkregion.com
June 9, 2022
Lisa Queen

A first-ever, multi-site project to mark Pride Month will be held in downtown Newmarket on June 11.

Produced by Shadowpath Theatre Productions, the free theatrical mini-parade is called Stories Of The Alphabet Community, or SOTAC.

“Stroll down Main Street in Newmarket and experience multi-disciplinary stories reflecting the barriers and beauty of queerness,” a statement from Shadowpath Theatre said.

It is a youth-led and youth-inspired event.

Activations at each location represent a colour of the Pride flag.

All ages are welcome to attend, but due to strong subject matter, viewer discretion is advised.

Here’s the lineup for SOTAC:

2 p.m. at the Newmarket Public Library

GREEN -- Collaborative Canvas: Discover storytelling through soundscapes and visuals as you pick up a paintbrush (optional) and cocreate art inspired by your surroundings. Share your own story through colourful expression, with an ending integration into a short play by Dante Amo.

2:30 p.m. at the library

ORANGE -- “The Prince of Grey Island,” written by 17-year-old emerging playwright Dante Amo, inspired by the song “A Gay Disney Prince” (as we know, there are no gay Disney Princes yet). Written under the mentorship of playwright Hanlon McGregor as a part of Thatz Showbiz's "3 Plays In 30 Days" virtual theatre festival.

This play contains scenes with instances of homophobia, homophobic violence, strained parental relationships, violence that results in death and premeditated harm. Audience discretion is advised.

3 p.m. at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar

PURPLE -- Singlejoy: Join Karina Milech in a local café for challah bread and wine (also known as grape juice) as she guides you through a Jewish Sabbath dinner. Be prepared to participate in the rituals as Milech shares her experience of being single in a Jewish family. Audiences will be invited to share phrases that have been said to them about their own identity through anonymous creative writing prompts. Some statements will end up in the show.

The venue is not wheelchair accessible.

3:45 p.m. in the parking lot at 240 Prospect St.

RED -- Home Again -- Mosey over to a parking lot as actors perform al fresco (in and around a car)! A woman reunites with her high school bestie as they begin to process past trauma during a road trip. Written by Edmonton playwright Calla Wright, this play deals with strong themes; ages 14+ recommended.

This play uses strong language and themes. Audience discretion is advised.

4:30 p.m. at Cachet Supper Club

YELLOW -- In Conversation with the Alphabet Community with the York Regional Police.

4:45 p.m. at Cachet

BLUE -- “I Wish I Were A Penguin”: While visiting an aquarium where a pair of male penguins are raising their young, a gay couple is accosted by a woman for holding hands. The woman is called out for her homophobia. In the end, we discover that humans are not only gay, but animals are as well. This piece is presented as an interactive play-reading where anyone can read a part alongside the Shadowpath team.

The event is free, but registration is required.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/stories-of-the-alphabet-community-sotac-pride-event-tickets-338201659267.