There is an intense war being waged for the minds of our children. Regardless of social or cultural background, every child is at risk. Everywhere we look, there is serious competition to captivate the mind of each child, mostly with negative implications. There is only so much that parents and our schools can do. It is time for our community to step up and assist. This is where GAPAS gets excited. At GAPAS, we take education to its highest level. We combine learning with culture, entertainment and personal integrity. We challenge our children to showcase their innate qualities and inspire their peers, while at the same time learning from their peers. It is a win-win situation!
We believe the time is right for communities to join together to enhance our educational system and to become a meaningful contributor to the curriculum by assisting in the development of the mind of each child. GAPAS is confident that we can be one of the best educational partners for your students, and we will be happy to meet with your team of educators to discuss a partnership.
About GAPAS
Genesis Advance Performing Arts Society (GAPAS) was founded by Shadrock Porter, the Dora Mavor Moore Award winner, playwright, director, singer and actor, who also wrote and produced many spectacular productions. Shadrock Porter is well known for his creation “Shadow of the Slaves”, a theatrical play honouring Canada for being a haven for slaves during the era of the Underground Railroad; this production made its mark at the Harbourfront Theatre. He is also known for “The Journey”, a sold-out musical production in New York, London and Toronto, to name a few locations.
GAPAS believes that the value of the arts is immeasurable and highly educational. As a result, GAPAS offers both education and entertainment to all its local and international communities. Founded in 2005 and recognised in 2006 as the first organisation to proclaim “Black History Month” in the municipality of Brampton, Ontario, GAPAS has worked with numerous community establishments to bring visualisation to history and culture through the arts.
Our Proposal
“A Tribute to our Freedom Fighters” highlights several of the most unforgettable leaders in history who have contributed to the fight for racial and social justice and equality. It features incredible portrayals of historical figures such as Canadian heroes and heroines Mary Ann Shadd, John Ware and Marie-Joseph Angélique, as well as Sir John Graves Simcoe, a Canadian who understood the rights of all men and women; Caribbean activist Marcus Garvey; and American figures Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X and Nat Turner, to name a few. The production also includes the sweet sounds of cultural songs, the compelling intrigue of interpretive dance and the thought-provoking medium of the spoken word.
GAPAS is excited to present Freedom Fighters “In the Mind of a Child”, a thought-provoking, engaging rendition of “A Tribute to Our Freedom Fighters”, written and directed by Shadrock Porter. This remarkable and entertaining anthology of young minds, ages 6 to 15, is a must-see. The talent, passion and understanding of our Canadian history all come in one package.
Some of the venues where we have performed: Continental Park, The American Theatre, INWWM Cultural Centre, EyeSeeMe, The White Elephant, CHRY Radio, Emerson Performance Centre, Maja Prentice Theatre, Peel United Cultural Partners, The I.N. Cultural Centre, Harbourfront Centre, Julliard Public School, The Accord Centre, Yorkwoods Library Theatre, Malton Neighbourhood Services, Brampton City Hall, Cyril Clark Library Theatre, Chinguacousy Wellness Centre and the INWWM Cultural Centre in London.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Contact us for bookings.