Portraits: Looking Forward, Looking Back – Zamya Theater Project

Did you know seniors and youth ages 18-24 are the fastest growing populations experiencing homelessness in Minnesota? zAmya brings youth and seniors together from a variety of backgrounds to tell their stories and get creative in this variety showcase to generate public will to fix this problem!

Join zAmya as we share with you the fruits of the last several months of theater workshops at St. Stephen’s Human Services and Ebenezer Park Apartments. Witness as 20 seniors share nuggets of incredible experience, an underprepared camper encounters a seasoned river dweller, a baseball player learns an unexpected lesson, three bag lady’s go into a thrift store and transform, and together we build a machine of health and wealth.

zAmya, a Sanskrit word that means, “aiming at peace”, supports St. Stephens’ mission to end homelessness by increasing awareness and understanding through community-based theater. Led by local artist, Maren Ward, zAmya has created and toured 13 original full length theater productions at numerous locations throughout Minnesota including the Guthrie Theater in September, 2016 of Home Street Home Minneapolis.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.