I Talk of Dreams

"I couldn't stop reading these experiences of the beauty and power of theatre in the lives of young people. Finding the world of the play alongside others we are often surprised to discover ourselves. Garrod's work and the growth and reflection he inspires in the young gives me joy as well as hope." ---Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario

"'All the world's a stage' could have been a truism coined for this magnificent book, as it is the most energetic, invigorating celebration of theatre's power to shape lives and community. Under Garrod's expert and heartfelt narrative, this astonishing collection of testimonies and life stories is a remarkable journey through the interconnection between growing up and the joy of playmaking. A rousing rally cry to the power of the rehearsal to build community. From the life skills and literary education that producing a play promotes, to the life-long discoveries of friendships and loves, both of words and of people, this really is an unmissable read for anyone who has even a passing interest in theatre. I devoured it." ---Jessica Swale, Olivier Award Winning Playwright, Director, and Filmmaker

"A beautiful retrospective of the career of a transformative arts educator as told through the eyes of former students who had their lives changed by theatre-making. I recommend this text to anyone who has experienced the power of arts education---their stories took me back to my own high school self-discovery!" ---Erica Halverson, Professor of Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison

"Lani Selick, playing Cordelia, saw a civil rights march on television: 'These marchers were all Cordelias---people who can't be bought, can't be silenced, can't pass up the chance to fight for what they believe, no matter what the consequences. Everyone knows a Cordelia, or is one. There are Cordelias in every era and in every culture. In King Lear, she is the play's conscience. She is the conscience of us all.' Within the safety and challenge of the ensemble, risk leads to courage, and students find clarity in the play and in themselves. The exploration of the one brings meaning to the other." ---David Barnet, Professor Emeritus, Drama Department, University of Alberta