Allan's Blog 5

Allan Nicholson

“Our Choir’s The Pitt’s”

Blog 5

A number of years ago, I was asked to participate in a “Dessert Theatre” offered at St. John’s United Church. I was still a resident of Manitoba. There was some difficulty recruiting male participants from the parish, but it was not due to their lack of interest.  According to my friend Margje, some of the congregation declined to participate as they were not in favor of the person chosen to direct this play. I was hesitant when I was initially approached, however; it was not related at all to any one individual. I felt as if I would be giving up “too much of myself” for that particular time of the year. The production took place in the latter part of the spring.

I have never been a person to give up too easily. I have been told that “perseverance is an excellent quality to possess.” I accepted the offer to play the role of Seymour Songster which I thoroughly enjoyed. According to Mark Bracher, “Having a sense of oneself as a force that matters in the world involves… belonging, and meaning.” (Page 6) This function was also a fund-raising attempt to purchase new hymn books for the church. I have always been dedicated to any commitments or events which I undertake. There was a sense of fulfillment with my decision during the initial reading of the play. I felt welcomed and appreciated at the church. I could sense some fun “down the road” as we would prepare this script to attain our goal of a successful event. I know I wanted to be with this group of individuals at this particular time.

I happened to develop a sore throat during that particular week of our two performances.  I was also required to sing in this play which was already “rather difficult” without any illness to hinder my effort. It was apparent that I would have “no voice” or very little ability to speak if I worked on the Friday of the first performance. I approached my principal with my dilemma. He replied jokingly “I guess you can be excused since the Superintendent is also a part of your cast.”

In his book, Radical Pedagogy (Identity, Generativity and Social Transformation), Bracher mentions “Recognition as a Basic Human Need.” He says: “ The must fundamental identity is the need for recognition, the need to have one’s being appreciated and validated or at least acknowledged, taken into account by others: ….”(Page 7) Upon completion of this event, my principal (deceased) wrote “ I would like to congratulate you on a great performance and a grand show. Through your efforts the city becomes a better place to be.” He recognized what I had done. I did not expect this note to be in my mailbox the following week. My friend, Margje, read this note. She replied: “My principal would never do anything like that.”

The musical director (deceased) had this to say, “Thanks for the great Seymour! You did another terrific job and I enjoyed your company.  “ I appreciate your effort.” Once again, this was another significant example of good healthy negotiating in a community of practice. 

The cast and crew were also invited to present this show in Gillam, Manitoba.  It is a small community north of Thompson.  It has a population of approximately 1200 people.  An employee of Manitoba Hydro was present at one of our performances.  He contacted the director as to us taking the show on the road.  He made all the arrangements and accomodations through Via Rail and  Manitoba Hydro.  We were able to assist the people in Gillam with their efforts in fundraising for the Gillam Crisis Center.  He assured us there would be no expenses incurred by anyone from our group.  They appreciated the fact that we gave up our weekend to help them with this community project.