The Waltz: Theatre of The Real, Grief, and Immigrant Narrative

Abstract

This reflection examines the Filipino-based play The Waltz, performed at Factory Theatre (Toronto, Ontario) in the fall season of 2022. The Waltz, like many other local plays, exemplifies the Canadian immigrant narrative, navigating between ethnic origins and newfound spaces. In this performance, Theatre of the Real, as proposed by Carol Martin, is evident when the connection with audience members and hidden grief due to immigration statuses is exemplified. Productions of ethnic local theatre shows in Canada told from an immigrant narrative perspective validate feelings of otherness in Canadian citizens, which is a component of understanding one’s own identity.