Hamilton, Ontario Apr 24, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The creative journey has officially begun for Where I Belong, a deeply personal and emotionally charged new theatrical production written by William Porter, a non-binary, autistic filmmaker, playwright, and actor based in Hamilton, Ontario. Now in early development, the production promises to deliver a powerful, multi-layered story exploring identity, self-discovery, grief, addiction, and resilience—bringing raw, emotional storytelling to the stage in a way that both challenges and inspires.
About the Story
At its heart, Where I Belong follows Sage/Liam, a character portrayed at multiple life stages, from childhood to adulthood. Through this journey, the production delves into the struggles of identity, the weight of societal and familial expectations, and the impact of personal and generational trauma. The story also weaves in the realities of grief, complex family dynamics, and the lasting effects of addiction—creating a raw, unflinching narrative rooted in authenticity and emotional truth.
“This is a story about survival, love, and the search for home—both in the world and within ourselves,” says Porter. “We’re shaping something incredibly intimate yet universally resonant, with a strong focus on emotional arcs, deep character relationships, and scenes that carry undeniable truth.”
An Interactive Audience Experience
Where I Belong aims to break the traditional boundaries of theatre by creating an immersive experience that invites the audience into the world of the story. The production will feature interactive moments where performers connect directly with audience members—fostering a sense of emotional presence and communal connection.
“We want audiences to feel immersed in Sage’s journey, not just as spectators but as witnesses,” Porter explains. “By breaking staging conventions and introducing interactive elements, we hope to blur the lines between performance and lived experience.”
About the Creator – William Porter
Originally from Port Colborne and now based in Hamilton, William Porter is a passionate advocate for inclusive storytelling. As a non-binary, autistic artist working across theatre, film, and literature, Porter is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and bringing emotionally rich, socially conscious stories to life.
“For a long time, I didn’t see stories like mine being told,” says Porter. “Where I Belong is the story I needed growing up—one that embraces the complicated, beautiful process of self-discovery. It’s a message to anyone who has ever felt unseen: You belong.”
Porter’s personal experiences with identity, grief, and healing form the backbone of the production, which aims to foster empathy, representation, and accessibility for audiences of all backgrounds.
What’s Next?
As development continues, updates on Where I Belong—including production timelines, casting news, and behind-the-scenes content—will be shared in the coming months.
With a commitment to bold, honest storytelling, Where I Belong is poised to become a moving, transformative theatrical experience that invites audiences to reflect, connect, and see themselves in the story.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @whereibelongmusical
Media Contact
Gold Slate Productions williamporter2000@gmail.com 2894567744 259 W 2nd St
