Unload is a two person adaptation of Contact! Unload, a theatre initiative involving eight Canadian veterans as performers, which has received acclaim across Canada and the UK.

Unload invites the audience to connect with soldiers and the courage they display as they confront the trauma-related injuries sustained during tours-of-duty. Using physical and image-based approaches, the play brings to life narratives about the difficult transition of returning veterans and their pathways towards recovery.

Unload will be followed by a post-play discussion moderated by Dr. Marv Westwood.

With support from Movember Canada, University of British Columbia, and the Peter Wall Institute of Advanced Studies.

George Belliveau

George Belliveau (Performer) is Professor of Theatre/Drama Education at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research focuses on research-based theatre and performed research, and he has published five  books along with over 60 scholarly publications. His project Contact! Unload! has been performed internationally to great acclaim, including a special performance for Prince Harry. George  is a professionally trained actor, and has participated in over 100 theatre productions as an actor, director, or playwright.

Marv Westwood

Marv Westwood (Facilitator) is Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research focuses on group-based approaches for counselling clients and men’s psychological health. He developed the UBC Veterans Transition Program (VTP) to help promote recovery from war related stress injuries for which he received both the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

Phillip Lopresti

Military Veteran Phillip Lopresti (Performer) is an Officer Cadet with The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He is also working on a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Canada.