Both poignant and funny, New Canadian Kid is an international favourite, and has been performed world-wide under the generic title "New Kid".

Nick is a young immigrant from the fictitious country of "Homeland".  He struggles to fit in at his new school in Canada, unable to communicate in the language of his fellow students.  Nick's frustration is effectively portrayed through a clever theatrical device: Nick and his family speak English, while all the Canadians speak gibberish.  His peers mimic his accent and language, making fun of him and tricking him into making a fool of himself.  He is the subject of much racial bullying and name-calling and his home is vandalized. 

Nick's frustration of not being able to communicate is shared by his mother who has difficulty with simple tasks like buying groceries.  Nick's father works long hours to support the family, so Nick assumes the role of caregiver for his mother, helping her to cope in their new home.  Gradually Nick begins to connect with his peers, sharing small jokes and gestures in place of words.  His new friend Mench helps him navigate through new experiences in taste, language and game-playing.  The play ends on a positive note, with Nick being accepted and his mother starting to learn English.

Winner, British Theatre Awards, Best New Script, 1985

Winner, Reuters Festival Choice Award for Best Children's Production at the Dublin Theatre Festival, 1997

Pictured - David Thomson, Joel Wirkkunen and Ruth McIntosh. Photo by David Cooper

Touring: North America, February - May 2004

Feedback and Reviews

New Kid is a perceptive and sharply written show that offers a powerful but not preachy lesson on prejudice and understanding
- Donna Freedman, Anchorage Daily News

Recommended Audience: For Children

Themes

• Bullying
• Immigration
• Racism
• Cultural Diversity / Tolerance
• Conflict Resolution
• Relocation