Sum Theatre sends video love letter to the community Through the Window
Sum Theatre performed Through the Window in parking lots, courtyards and streets outside long-term care homes in spring 2021. (Ricardo Alvarado / Sum Theatre)
It began as a way to reach out to some of our province’s most vulnerable during a very dark time. In 2020, the pandemic sealed the doors of long-term care facilities to keep residents safe, but it also created incredible isolation and loneliness. The Sum Theatre team knew it had to find a way to reach out and it did so by creating Through the Window.
“It was wonderful to take something so incredibly heavy and turn it into little moments of joy for some of our most vulnerable.”
Laura Negraeff says the performance is her proudest moment as an artist. (Studio D)
“When I think about this project, it’s probably the thing I’m most proud of in my career,” says Sum’s Laura Negraeff. “It was wonderful to take something so incredibly heavy and turn it into little moments of joy for some of our most vulnerable.”
The performance was inspired by interviews Sum Theatre artists conducted with long-term care residents. Incorporating music, movement, and story, the artists created a performance that was staged in courtyards, parking lots and streets outside care homes in Saskatoon and Regina in the spring of 2021.
“It was beautiful to watch the residents tapping their toe, clapping, some, even getting up to dance from their windows or balconies,” says Sum’s Joel Bernbaum. “So many said this performance brought them joy, and it was the first time many, had any performance group make such a house call.”
Joel Bernbaum says the team’s goal was to reach out to the most vulnerable and bring them joy. (Studio D)
Sum Theatre’s known for responding to community need and offering performances in innovative ways, it’s at the core of everything it does but because of safety concerns, including the whole community just wasn’t possible. That’s why Sum created a video documenting the performance and its impact.
“This project was a love letter to our community, and it feels good to finally be able to share that message with all of Saskatchewan,” says Bernbaum. “It was such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It’s always better to give a gift than to receive one and we can’t wait to share this video performance.”
The digital presentation blends the performance with behind-the-scenes footage of the artistic process including clips of the original interviews with residents. You’ll have a front-row seat to the show that brought smiles to so many. The video will be released Valentine’s Day – February 14th on Sum Theatre’s website and YouTube channel for free viewing until February 21st.
“We set out to make a connection with these residents and show them we cared,” says Negraeff. “It was the most heartwarming feeling of connection and that’s something I think we could all use a little more of right now.”
