Book Writer & Lyricist
Canadian Music Theatre Project
Workshop Produced by Sheridan College
October 2020
burden of proof explores the challenges met by LGBTQ+ refugee claimants in Canada. Queer refugees who come to Canada after fleeing oppressive, homophobic homelands have often spent their lives trying to hide their sexuality or gender identity for fear of persecution. However, when they arrive here, they must prove their queer identity to claim status as a persecuted minority. It’s an impossible question: how do you prove your identity without ever practicing it? How can you communicate who you are without ever having a chance to know for yourself? This question burdens not only the queer community, but all of us.
We were lucky enough to workshop this new musical with an incredible creative team and performers from the Sheridan College Music Theatre program as part of their annual Canadian Music Theatre Project
Directed by Esther Jun
Musical Direction by Lily Ling
Featuring Celeste Catena, Abby Grass, Madison Hill, Ryan Abd’u’llah Hooper, Matthew Joseph, Ria Kapur, Spencer Laing, Kristena McCormack, Callum McGann, Nicole Sherwin, Ryley Tennant, Jaden Weber, Abby Woodhouse, Seth Zosky
Stage Management by Neha Ross