Who we are
Genesis Advance Performing Arts Society is the cultural and entertainment arm of the Israelite Nation: a registered not-for-profit organisation in Canada and the USA that tells the story, and shares the culture, of a forgotten people through the visual and performing arts.
We believe the value of the arts is immeasurable and deeply educational, so everything we stage is meant to teach as well as to entertain. Our work begins with truth and builds towards freedom and, finally, peace — knowing that without truth there can be no freedom, and without freedom there can be no peace. The strength of any community is found in the diverse gifts of its people, and GAPAS exists to give those gifts a stage.
Our story
From a school of the arts to a community stage
GAPAS was founded in December 2005 and restructured in January 2007, bringing together the Genesis Cultural Organisation and the Genesis Academy of Performing Arts — first known as the Israelite Academy of Performing Arts. The goal was a complete educational programme, spiritual, cultural and historical, delivered through the visual and performing arts, together with outreach that would reach well beyond our own walls.
By highlighting the immense contribution of the children of slavery to Western civilisation, GAPAS became the first organisation to proclaim Black History Month in Brampton, Ontario, in 2006. Since then our productions, concerts and youth programmes have reached schools, libraries, theatres and congregations across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Our mission
Tell the story
To bring together individuals and organisations dedicated to a positive regional impact, and to tell the story and share the culture of a forgotten people through the visual and performing arts.
Our vision
A society at peace
To stay attentive to the cultural needs of our community, and to help build a prosperous society founded on peace and harmony.
Our values
What we stand on
GAPAS stands boldly on the precepts of truth, using education to build personal integrity and, through it, freedom, peace, harmony and prosperity.
Unity and common purpose
We foster unity so that we can pursue a common purpose built on trust, respect and teamwork.
Building community
Strong partnerships begin by breaking down the barriers that divide us and keeping the shared goal in view before we act.
Being there for those in need
We believe in the potential and the future of our community. We help wherever we can, and we meet every challenge with a fresh, positive outlook.
Organisational effectiveness
Our members are insightful, innovative people who think beyond their surroundings and act with discipline, so that real breakthroughs become possible.
Our founder
Shadrock Porter
Shadrock Porter discovered early in life that he could sing, and the gift made him a well-known soul artist in his native Guyana; some of his records are still played on Caribbean radio today. His love of the arts brought him to Canada, where he worked in film alongside Charles Bronson in Family of Cops, Al Pacino and Burt Reynolds, in commercials for Budweiser and Federal Express, and on television in Top Cops.
In 1983 he won the Dora Mavor Moore Award — Canada’s equivalent of the Tony — for his performance as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Black Theatre Canada.
Having devoted his life to restoring the historical knowledge, identity, culture and religious practices of the Israelites, he went on to write and direct The Journey, Shadow of the Slaves, A Tribute to Our Freedom Fighters, Freedom Fighters “In the Mind of a Child”, The Story of Ruth and For Heaven’s Sake!. He founded Seven Branch Theatre Production and the training school that became GAPAS, where young artists learn not only technique but the deeper nuances of their craft.
Be part of the story
Perform with us, volunteer at our events, sponsor a production or bring GAPAS to your school.