Foster home issues dramatized in Eden Mills

EDEN MILLS - The House of Hormones puppet play was performed at the Eden Mills Community Hall on Feb. 24.

It was written and directed by Dale Hamilton in collaboration with her former foster daughters, dramatizing issues such as emotional trauma, contracts between teens and caregivers regarding cell phones, extreme behaviours, medications and self-harm.

It also celebrates the achievements of foster parents and kids in forming positive bonds.

The puppets were created by Anne Barber and Brad Harley of Toronto Island’s Shadowland Theatre, in collaboration with the foster girls, who also helped with an original song by Guelph performer Katherine Wheatley.

Hamilton said, “Fostering has taught me a lot about compassion for myself and others, and about softening the impact of childhood and teenage trauma.”

The production was sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council, and supported by Satori Homes, a therapeutic foster care agency based in Guelph.