Round-up of March events to include the Theatre Performance vignettes from Theatre of the Beat an interactive performance on raising awareness on elder abuse and the dynamics of ageism

April 7, 2026 ⋅ Mosaic Events
Group shot with a speaker talking to seated event attendees

On March 6th, 2026, the North York Elder & Scarborough Elder Abuse Networks under the umbrella of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario organized this interactive luncheon that featured actors from Theatre of the Beat interactive performance. There were a few scenarios that were presented by three of the actors to include a facilitator and the audience participation made this a truly interesting afternoon. Here are some of the scenarios that were presented by the actors and discussed.

  • Performance/ Forum Theatre – Scene 2: Managing Mom’s finances
  • Performance/ Forum Theatre – Scene 3: Overwhelmed Caregiver

This was a well thought out program of scenarios that happen each and every day with older adults and complex cases that reach social workers desks within many organizations. We find that having more interactive presentations using either actors, dance as a medium is far more memorable and gives a chance for the attendees to take part and discuss.

A bit about Theatre of the Beat:

“Between October 2024 and March 2025, Theatre of the Beat delivered over 25 workshops across the GTA and Kitchener-Waterloo, raising awareness on elder abuse and the dynamics of ageism. Partnering with organizations such as Mosaic Home Care Services & Community Resource Centre, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, Community Justice Initiatives, Brant Elder Abuse Committee, and The 519, these sessions highlighted isolation as a key factor affecting the mental health of older adults—and, as identified through the workshops, caregivers as well.

Caregivers, often balancing multiple responsibilities while supporting one or more family members, face immense, often silent, struggles. Feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration can arise, especially when abusive behaviours may be present in caregiving dynamics and access to resources is limited. Recognizing caregivers’ critical role in the well-being of those who they care for, Theatre of the Beat is expanding its focus to provide tools and restorative strategies—through Forum Theatre—to support both unpaid family caregivers and professionals. By creating space for dialogue, the workshops aim to reduce caregiver stress and help prevent elder abuse.”

We had in total around 60 people from the community, some older adults, some community agency and social workers students also were in attendance. A big shout out to the community organizations under the network who volunteered to name but a few who helped on the day were:

  • Transcare
  • Mosaic Home Care
  • Better Living
  • Circle of Care
  • North York Seniors Centre
  • Elder Advocates
  • Toronto Police Services

On behalf of Jane Teasdale & Jessica Lang the two co-chairs of the North York and Scarborough Elder Abuse Networks. To include all the community agencies and organizations who have been part of this network for the last 20 years, we would like to thank you! Without all of you this network wouldn’t be around.

Photo Credit: Christian Teasdale:  www.christianteasdale.myportfolio.com