Park Life

Blending physical theatre, poetry, and in situational wanderings, Park Life follows Jade’s recovery from addiction alongside the development of her neighbourhood, Regent Park. The paths diverge as the quick fixes of gentrification are contrasted with long-term healing and renewal. Park Life has grown from concept to realization and is approaching the completion of the first draft. The heart of the matter in this story was presented this past June with Buddies in Bad Times theatre and through that experience I have realized some of the artistic possibilities that can be carried forward. A large part of the text that did not make the final edit in the in, Park Life: Jades Diaries, was the poetry. Moving forward with experimenting I’d like to create a short story with poetry and physicality talking the issues of environment and systemic barriers. Some of the scenes will be site specific and some will be created in the studio. I’d like to see what I can do with Jade’s spirit animal: The Wolf. We had some beautiful discoveries with the last presentation that I would like to build more of. Dramaturgically I’m attempting to use the medicine wheel, hypothetically the Buddies presentation was a chapter one, in the center of the wheel, the heart. Chapter two would be the outer ring, immediate environment. The ring around that is the Toronto Housing coalition and the city of Toronto and how their archaic colonial actions negatively impact the lives of residents.

October 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM

About the artist

Toronto born Janis Mayers brings together her passion for self-expression through writing, poetry and movement. Growing up in Regent Park in a mixed-race household (Caribbean, French, Ojibwe and Mi’kmaq) she has firsthand experience in overcoming adversity and found benefits with Cadet training, Roller derby and bodybuilding. Training to heal herself and others. The arts have added another layer for her. Most recent review in the Toronto Star for “The Solitudes” performance: “Mayers’ physicality is fierce and impressive”- Carly Maga. Upon graduating from Seneca College in the Corporate Media Production program, she worked behind the scenes with staging companies shifting from corporate events to more artistic projects. During that time, she also completed her personal trainer certification and founded “Janis’ Fitness” a mobile and online training service. Three years ago, she began working in the Toronto Arts scene.

In 2017, she was contracted to consult and perform with “The Boonstan Multicultural Collective” in a Zimba Zumba workshop at the Trigan Nowruz Festival. In 2018, she was selected to model for the “RUTAS” campaign ad poster, an international multi-arts festival. During which she participated in a writing workshop run by international artist Conchi Leon Dramatizing Memory. As well as a movement workshop “The language of dance” with Wilson Pico a renowned indigenous and modern dance master from Ecuador. In 2019, the training continued at the Banff Centre for a two-week residency training with Toronto based artist Victoria Mata developing a character “the land” for the 2020 production “The Solitudes”, a collective ensemble creation with Aluna theatre where the actors were also creators and writers. This production went on to receive 3 Dora Mavor Moore nominations. Upon returning from Banff she was casted as a secondary dancer for “Derives” a choreographed dance installation at “The Bentway” under the direction of Noemie Lafrance. Following that she participated in “Force Majeure productions” Mura Buai creation workshop. The remainder of 2019 was dedicated to workshops with Aluna theatre developing “The Solitudes” under the direction of Bea Pizano. Private training with Victoria Mata and Wilson Pico continued as well as voice workshops with Stratford based Cathy Mackinnon and private acting sessions with Anita La Selva. In 2020 “The Solitudes” had a two-week run at the Harbourfront Centre. Most recently Janis was awarded the “Stay at home residency” from Aluna theatre to begin the development of “Park Life”.

Wrapping up 2020, she continues to train others, currently facilitating a wellness workshop with Aboriginal Legal Services. Continuing with the development of her writing skills with playwright workshops. Most recently she was accepted to “The year I learned to write plays: The Fornes method of creative freedom” with Marilo Nuñez. Through her work Janis wishes to share the stories of the silent majority and continues to develop as a writer and performer. Building bridges with artists and strengthening communities and reclaiming her lost indigenous culture along the way.