​Salon Evening: Transformation

​👉 The Art of Change: Psychology, Theater, and Human Potential

​Join us for an evening exploring one of the deepest questions in human life:

​Can people truly change?

​Through psychology, rehabilitation, theater, and embodied practice, our speakers examine how transformation happens—what makes it possible, what stands in its way, and what it means to become a different version of ourselves.

​🍷 Free (Cheap) wine but BYOB anything else you may want
Schedule:
🛠 6:30–7:00pm – Setup (volunteers welcome!)
👋 7:00–7:30pm – Mingling
🧠 7:30–8:30pm – Talk One
⏸ 8:30–8:45pm – Intermission
🎶 8:45–9:45pm – Talk Two
🥂 9:45–10:30pm – Socializing
10:30PM-? - Choose your own adventure! Often people go to the pub together afterwards.

​Talk 1: Can People Change? The Science of Rehabilitation and Behavioral Transformation

​with Alexandra Zidenberg

​Few questions provoke stronger reactions than whether people who commit serious offenses can truly change.

​Drawing on research from forensic psychology and criminology, Alexandra explores what modern science tells us about behavioral change, risk reduction, and rehabilitation. Which interventions actually work? Why do some people stop offending while others do not? And what can decades of research teach us about human change more broadly?

​Topics include:

• ​What drives criminal and harmful behavior

• ​How psychologists assess risk

• ​Why some rehabilitation programs succeed while others fail

• ​The role of accountability, treatment, and social support

• ​What research says about reducing recidivism

• ​Common myths about offender rehabilitation

​Rather than focusing on sensational cases, this talk examines the evidence behind one of society's most difficult challenges: helping people change while protecting public safety.

​About Alexandra

​Alexandra Zidenberg, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology at the University of Montreal and a member of the International Centre for Comparative Criminology (CICC). She completed her PhD in Applied Social Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan and later conducted postdoctoral research at McGill University. Her research focuses on forensic psychology, sexual offending, risk assessment, violence prevention, and evidence-based offender treatment. Alexandra has also consulted for media productions and organizations seeking expert guidance on complex issues involving criminal behavior, sexuality, and violence.

​Talk 2 + Workshop: The Actor's Toolkit

​with Olga Kosmine

​What can acting teach us about being more present, expressive, and connected?

​Drawing on her training in the Ukrainian theater tradition and years of experience as an acting coach, Olga introduces participants to practical techniques used by actors to develop emotional awareness, authenticity, creativity, and presence.

​Following a short introduction to key acting principles, participants will engage in a series of interactive exercises exploring:

• ​Presence and attention

• ​Emotional expression

• ​Improvisation

• ​Listening and responsiveness

• ​Embodiment and movement

• ​Authentic connection with others

​No acting experience is required.

​This workshop is designed not only for performers but for anyone interested in communication, creativity, self-expression, and understanding the human experience more deeply.

​Olga Kosmine is a professionally trained actress from Kyiv who was trained across three theaters. She founder of Theater Space, an acting school based in Montreal which teaches acting in the Ukrainian style based on her experience.

​What to Expect

• ​🧠 An evidence-based discussion of rehabilitation and behavioral change

• ​🎭 Interactive acting exercises and creative exploration

• ​🍷 A relaxed salon atmosphere

• ​🥂 Time to connect and socialize afterward

• ​🌍 A thoughtful and curious international crowd

​Whether you're interested in psychology, theater, personal growth, or simply understanding how people evolve, this evening offers two complementary perspectives on the art and science of transformation.

​In order to attend you generally need to have already attended one salon or be invited by a past attendee. If you believe you would be a great addition to the community but haven't been invited- feel free to apply.

​Come for the ideas. Stay for the experience.