Vancouver theatre community comes to usher’s aid after violent attack

Vancouver’s theatre community is coming together to raise funds for an usher who was allegedly assaulted outside The Orpheum theatre.

According to a fundraiser, Serji was randomly attacked by a stranger when she was leaving the theatre on Smithe Street, where she works.

While still in her uniform, she was “violently” thrown to the ground. This resulted in two broken wrists and arms, a number of cuts and bruises and emotional trauma.

Sandra McRae, who created the GoFundMe, is a friend and coworker of Serji. She said Serji has worked for many years at Vancouver Civic Theatres like the Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Playhouse in Vancouver.

Anyone that’s visited these theatres will recognize her, McRae said.

“She is funny, kind and a dedicated worker.”

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According to McRae, Serji’s injuries will not be covered by WorkSafeBC because the incident took place after her shift.

“Serji needs 24/7 assistance to eat, wash, etc. and will lose income while she heals from this horrific attack,” McRae says.

“I would like to help in some way and so I created this for her in the hopes that our theatre community and the larger Vancouver community will help. Let’s show Serji some love and care in this awful time, let’s show her that love wins.”

Just over $5,000 has been raised as of Wednesday morning and one person who donated said, “We are so shocked and horrified to hear what happened to Sergi. Such a terrible, senseless act. Our hearts go out to her as she faces this difficult time. Sending much love and healing hugs for a speedy recovery. xo❤️”

WorkSafeBC has confirmed with Daily Hive that it is aware of the incident and a prevention officer has reached out to the employer.

In a statement from Vancouver Civic Theatres, it says it has reached out to the victim and staff to remind them a ‘Safe Walk’ escort is available if staff feel unsafe walking to transit or their vehicles after their shift.

“We’re extremely upset by the incident of violence enacted upon one of our theatre attendants. The safety of our staff is of the utmost importance to us, and the Vancouver Civic Theatre condemns all acts of violence in the strongest possible terms,” the statement adds.

However, because of privacy requirements, WorkSafeBC and Vancouver Civic Theatres are not able to comment further on individual claims.

Daily Hive has reached out to the Vancouver Police Department.