What participants and audiences say about zAmya

 

 “I’m leaving here today and taking the energy in this room with me.”
– workshop participant, 2007

 

“Thank you for not forgetting about us.”
– workshop observer at Salvation Army Harbor Lights, 2007

 

“Being homeless can feel isolating and powerless. Participating in this theater performance built up my self-esteem by being able to express my opinion in a safe environment, having accountabilities to a group and being supported and showing my acting skills.”
– Homeless actor 2004, now working and in transitional housing

 

“This project has been a highlight of my life.”
– Successful business consultant who was homeless at 18 with a child, 2004 actor

 

“I feel like we all walk away from this experience and create small ripples in our communities, which continue to fan out into larger waves and hopefully some of this awareness we’ve created will touch more than just the ten of us.”
– Housed actor, 2004

 

“The work zAmya does with people experiencing homelessness is a step towards self actualization. It is a way to explore and process their homelessness in a safe and creative atmosphere. Due to the day to day struggles of trying to find shelter, a warm place to hang out during the day, money, employment, etc, working with peers to create educational theater is a way to step out of “survival” mode and be empowered by their role in creating it. Shelter residents are constantly guarded and the theater workshops are a way for them to open up in a safe atmosphere and process not only what they are going through but how to change the way that the world thinks of them.” 
– Allysen Hoberg, St. Stephen’s Shelter Director

 

“This play about homelessness, by the homeless and the housed, is one of those pieces of art that makes you think before, during and after the viewing.The problem is, you're too busy laughing to do much thinking until the next time someone asks you for a quarter on the corner of Lake and Hennepin. You're never quite sure who's the real actor and who is the real homeless person. Which, I imagine, is part of the point; as well as part of the intrigue.You won't be disappointed by Act Before Midnight unless comfortable is the only place you like to be.” 
– 2005 Fringe Festival Audience Member