Good Day Good People,

Please permit me to share with you the launch of our crowdfunding campaign for our bold, new, theatrical production. 

Why a Crowdfunding Campaign?

In today’s arts landscape, crowdfunding has become a vital and increasingly common way to support new creative work.

With traditional funding sources shrinking and the constant, competitive 'noise' of online streaming giants grabbing our collective attention increasing, artists and producers of theatre and live music are turning to their communities for help ...to the friends and neighbours (and sometimes complete strangers) who have one goal in common: a desire to help bring meaningful projects to life.

The crowdfunding model not only raises essential production funds at the grassroots level, but it also builds a network of engaged supporters who believe in the power of storytelling and seeing live, affordable theatre produced, not only in cities, but, in small communities alike. These Supporters believe the Arts are for Everyone.

About the Play

I Don’t Belong Here – Stories & Songs at the Edge of Forgetting

Written by and featuring Joëlle Rabu and Kelly Wyatt, is a poignant, very human, minimalistic stage production that explores life inside a dementia care facility, via 15 contrasting vignettes supported by 19 songs from the repertoire of the late, great Harry Nilsson, with music direction by Nico Rhodes.

Directed by Kymme Patrick and performed by this award-winning trio, the show brings to life 22 characters: from the colourful residents living with memory loss, anger, fear and silence fueled by confusion, fantasy and frustration, to the visiting family members grappling with grief, doubt and guilt, to the resident care aides striving to preserve dignity and spark connection in the lives of complete strangers.

Don't be fooled by the subject matter...this is not a bleak tale! The sometimes, awkward truths and humorous absurdities of once vibrant and colourful lives, are also respectfully explored!

This play is a deeply affirming, at times very funny, but always tender consideration on memory, music, identity, and the quiet heroism found in everyday care.

Seed Money Helps Growth

We’re currently seeking some financial support to go towards the start-up production expenses and the touring-prep costs which aren't covered in the 'selling price' of a new production. 

These costs include:

• Equipment rentals and purchases (sound, costumes & props, space rentals)
• Professional fees for the technical, wardrobe, set design team
• Marketing to theatres across Canada and beyond
• Launching a 2026 - 2028 national tour
• Developing and sharing our Outreach Program to  Mental Health, Memory Care and Alzheimer's' advocacy groups in every community the play is presented

A few theatre presenters have already embraced our play - sight unseen - we can’t wait to share the stories and songs with audiences from coast to coast to coast. 

How YOU Can Help

Every dollar helps. Whether it’s $5 or $500, seed money goes directly into bringing this vital new work to the stage.

We’re grateful for every supporter!

We also invite corporate sponsors to join the "Official Sponsors Impact Program" that supports the Community Outreach arm of our play,

To find out more about becoming an official sponsor with programme mentions and promotional status of your business, please email me at rabujoelle@gmail.com 

Thank you for supporting independent Canadian theatre!

Together, we can bring I Don’t Belong Here to stages across the country and share its timely message of compassion, resilience, and human connection.

With gratitude for your generosity and kind support!

Joëlle Rabu and Team 

Hugs of huge gratitude to: 

Courtenay's Sid Williams Theatre

The Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney,

The Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam

for being the first theatre Presenters of our play for their 2025-26 season!