Magnus Theatre Shines a Light on Poverty, Resilience, and Recovery in Post-Pandemic Thunder Bay
As communities continue to heal from the social and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts have played a vital role in helping people process collective challenges and share powerful stories of resilience. One such effort recently came to life on stage through the Collective Creation Project’s latest production, A PARENT’S STRUGGLE.
Performed on March 24 at the Magnus Theatre, A PARENT’S STRUGGLE was a youth-written, community-driven play that explored the intersection of poverty, parenthood, and perseverance. The play followed Audrey, a single mother of three, as she navigated a turbulent week marked by job loss, financial uncertainty, and the search for a better future. After being terminated from one of her jobs due to lateness, Audrey turned to the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) to find the support and resources that could help her move forward.
Through her journey, audience members were introduced to critical services available in the community, such as Ontario Works, OSAP, the Child Tax Benefit, and the Child Care Registry—resources that many families rely on, especially during times of crisis. These services are a crucial part of the social safety net that has become even more essential in the wake of the pandemic.
COVID-19 did not affect all Canadians equally—many already facing economic and social barriers were hit the hardest. For low-income families, single parents, and those in precarious employment, the pandemic deepened long-standing inequities. Poverty, as a social determinant of health, continues to impact access to housing, education, child care, and mental health supports. Productions like A PARENT’S STRUGGLE help illuminate these realities while inspiring conversations about change and community support.
This year’s Collective Creation Project proudly partnered with the Lakehead Social Planning Council and TBDSSAB—two organizations deeply committed to addressing poverty and supporting social recovery in Thunder Bay. Their collaboration helped ensure the play was not only a creative expression, but also a bridge to tangible resources and advocacy.
True to its theme, the performance adopted a Pay What You Want ticketing model, making it accessible to all and reinforcing the message that art should be available to everyone, regardless of income.
As the nonprofit and arts sectors rebuild after years of pandemic disruption, initiatives like this one serve as a reminder of the power of creativity, partnership, and lived experience in driving community healing and systemic awareness.
Magnus Theatre is Northwestern Ontario’s only professional theatre, a not-for-profit registered charity, and a full member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT).
For more information about Magnus Theatre visit their website at: https://magnustheatre.com/
