Emmelia Gordon (L), Aslam Husain (M), Chris Cochrane (R), Photo Andy Price

Tamara McCarthy, Photo Andy Price

Nick is a young immigrant kid from the fictitious country of "Homeland."  He struggles to fit in at his new school in Canada, where he is unable to communicate in the language of his fellow students.  Nick's frustration is portrayed using a clever theatrical approach: Nick and his family speak English, while all the Canadians speak gibberish.  An original work commissioned by Green Thumb Theatre, this signature production explores the experience of being an outsider trying to fit in.

Touring: British Columbia, September 15- November 30, 2008

Feedback and Reviews

I thought It was a aweosme play! I love the weird language. And one of my new favourite words are skak! haha. Anyways I found it really funny, the message I saw in it was that you can't judge a person by where they come from or what they look like. Thanks for a awesome play!
- Alicia, Our Lady OF Lourdes Elemantry School

 "Students were interested in the mastery of gibberish wich was cleverly done."

 "I found the show to be a brillant way to illustrate being new to a class, school, club, team or country.  At first I was not sure if the characters would speak gibbersih throughout, but I'm glad they did.  Well done!"

 "One thing a few classe s did was to have multilingual teachers teach a short lesson in another language so that the children could expereince first hand what it would be like to cope in that situation."

 "I loved it! Students were suprised to see the perspective of the New Canadian."

I liked it when you were funny and how did you break the bowl?
- conor , assumption school

It was really fun because you made us laugh. We are in grade 2.
- jason han and nicholas lee, assumption school

it was fun because you made me laugh. All the parts are funny. I like the show. We are in Grade 2.
- victoria, assumption school

Thank you for teaching us to welcome a kid from another country. We like your show because it teaches us how to welcome a new kid.
- Ethan and Megan, Assumption school

Thanks for the wonderful performance!!!! Usually I have to remind certain children to stop chatting, to keep hands to self, etc. but during your performance all of my students were totally engaged. Thank you also for the study guide. Preparing them by doing some of the suggested activities made a real difference too. The lessons in your play were very relevant to our students. Thank you foryour commitment to children and the arts!
- Gr.2 Teacher, Our Lady Of Assumption School

When you did that funny language I laughed.I realy liked your purformence.
- ramishaWasim9, Harry Sayers Elamentary

I liked the part when Nick and Mensha played basket ball and baseball.
- Anureet Gill 9, Harry Sayers Elementary

i like the show and it was funny
- Jobanmeet Sandhu, Harry Sayers Elementary

I liked the show because I learned a leason not to be a buly and it was funny.
- SehyogSekhon9, Harry Sayers Elementary

I like the part when Mencha and Nick became friends.
- parmpreetSidhu9, Harry Sayers Elamentry

the play was great!
- Anon

 "Great message; very appopriate for our school; captivated all ages of students."

 "Many students could relate to the chracters in the play."  "Thanks for a great performance."

Students Comments: "very good", "liked the funny stuff", "Now I know how the kids from another country must feel".

Teachers Comments: "Great pace & lesson.  The kids (and adults) enjoyed the show.  I enjoyed the perspective- taking the other side made the kids "think"."

 "This is the best peformance from Green Thumb Theatre we have ever seen." "An excellent conversation took place in my classroom after the show. " "It made me think a lot."

It was a great play and I hope you come to our school again.
- David Loken, Chantrell Creek Elementary

Great play! Keep up the good work!
- Kenny Chang, Chantrell Creek Elementary

 "Provoked good discussions afterward.  Noticed expressions of familiarity on many faces in the audience."

 "I'm doing a Master's Degree in Leadership and Counselling, and thought the show was extremely relevant to learn about what new students, especially E.S.L go through."

Recommended Audience: Grades 1-8

Themes

• Immigration
• Acceptance
• Anti-bullying
• Diversity

Study Guide Materials

 New Canadian Study Guide

 

08-09 Education Supporter