Student Matinee Performances

Dissonant Species is designed to engage students across multiple disciplines, supporting learning outcomes in Drama and English as well as examining themes central to the following subjects:  

• Music: This immersive theatrical experience explores the delicate balance between harmony and dissonance in human relationships using principles of musical counterpoint as a metaphor for societal dynamics. Through the piece the students will experience the transformative and unifying power of music. 
• Civics and Citizenship: Students will explore how dissonance in societal decision-making reflects the complexities of civic engagement, including the challenges of balancing rights, responsibilities, and collective well-being.
• Exploring Social and Family Studies: By delving into human collaboration and discord, the performance highlights fundamental aspects of interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and resource management within different societal structures.
• Philosophy: The show encourages students to consider philosophical questions and theories like “What is a just society?” and “How should we navigate right and wrong?” Through the lens of harmony and dissonance, they’ll develop their critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills.
• World Geography and Issues: The themes of resonance and dissonance between people and finding ways to coexist, explored in the show on an interpersonal level, can be extrapolated to larger societal issues

Dissonant Species will challenge students to think critically about how we, as a species, work together—or struggle to. Your students will gain valuable insights not just as spectators, but as engaged participants in the discourse about human interaction and societal change.

To bring students and educators into our creative process we offer:

• Q&A sessions with our artists after every student matinee performance
• Comprehensive study guide for each production
• In-School workshops bring professional artists to your classroom.  These workshops are perfect for groups of up to 25. Students explore physical theatre, voice, and text, and get the opportunity to learn from our experienced multi-disciplinary artists. 

“What a remarkable show! Wow! Am I ever glad that I could bring my students to this show. I wish the cast could have been a fly on the wall listening to the students unpacking the ideas, images, symbolisms, etc. Congrats to you and your company for making a show which feeds big imagination and unleashes the power of critical thinking and big questions, and…so so much more! What amazing work! You have inspired my students.” – C. Boutilier, Drama Teacher, North Toronto CI, Toronto District School Board (re: Avaricious)