'Da Kink in My Hair by
'Da Kink in My Hair was written in 2005 and it follows Novelette, the owner of a Toronto hair salon, as she styles hair and catches up on all the gossip from her clients. This play captures a glimpse of the lives of the women who come into the salon and each of their stories are captivating, heartfelt and beautifully told. The play has also been adapted into a TV show of the same name that aired for two seasons.
Trey Anthony is a playwright, professional speaker, producer and author. She is the first Black Canadian woman to have her own prime time TV show on a Canadian television network. Her other works include How Black Mothers Say I Love You and Black Girl in Love (With Herself).
A Man a Fish by
A Man A Fish was published in 2015 and it follows Prosper, a fisherman whose life is seemingly at a standstill as he grapples with the loss of his mistress, his wife who is struggling to make their marriage work and a salesman who has just arrived in town. It explores themes of generosity, change and acceptance.
Donna-Michelle St. Bernard is an award winning playwright, emcee and arts administrator. She was the playwright in residence for companies including the National Arts Centre and she is the artistic director for New Harlem Productions. Her other works include Cake, The House You Burn and Sound of the Beast.
Courting Johanna by
Courting Johanna depicts the adolescent desire to meddle in the business of others as teenagers Sabitha and Enid write letters to the housekeeper, Johanna, on behalf of Sabitha’s father, Ken. They convince Johanna to follow him and care for him when he has fallen ill, but will they realize there were mixed messages along the way?
Marcia Johnson has been in the Toronto theatre scene for over thirty years now. She has published a number of plays including Serving Elizabeth, Say Ginger Ale, and Perfect on Paper. She also holds a position on the senior advisory board of Women Playwrights International.
Serving Elizabeth by
Serving Elizabeth follows two storylines, the first is set in Kenya and follows Mercy, who is hired to serve Princess Elizabeth when she visits. The second storyline follows Tia, a Kenyan Canadian intern working for a television network. The two stories weave in and out to depict a unique perspective on colonialism and nationalism.
Marcia Johnson has been in the Toronto theatre scene for over thirty years now. She has published a number of plays including Serving Elizabeth, Say Ginger Ale, and Perfect on Paper. She also holds a position on the senior advisory board of Women Playwrights International.
Sistahs by
Sistahs takes a glimpse into the lives of a group of women gathering to make soup. They share stories and experiences as they all contribute to the soup. The play explores themes such as identity, loss and the meaning of family.
Sistahs is the debut play for both Maxine Bailey and Sharon M. Lewis. Maxine Bailey writes, directs and produces theatre in the Toronto area. She is currently Director of Public Affairs for the Toronto International Film Festival Group.
Sharon M. Lewis is an actor, writer, producer and director in the Toronto area. She was recently awarded the Canadian Screen Award for the TV series Paranormal Nightshift, which she directed and produced.
The Bridge by
The Bridge is a play which follows the relationship between two brothers. Lies, deception and secrecy lie within the folds of their brotherhood and in a small Nova Scotian town, gossip runs rampant. The play explores family ties, the choices we make in life and rebuilding relationships.
Shauntay Grant is a multidisciplinary artist, creating in many forms including poetry, playwriting and multimedia art. She is an associate professor at Dalhousie University and was the third poetry laureate for the City of Halifax. Her children’s book, Africville, received a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award.
Harlem Duet by
Harlem Duet offers a unique perspective on Shakespeare’s Othello, as it tells the story of Othello’s first wife, Billie. The play centers around their marriage before and after he meets Mona. It is a tragic play that examines race and relationships in contemporary Harlem.
Djanet Sears is an award winning playwright who has been working in the Toronto theatre industry for over twenty years now. She has received the Dora Mavor Moore Award, Chalmers Award and Governor General’s Award for the Harlem Duet. Her other works include The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God, and Who Killed Katie Ross.
Controlled Damage by
Viola Desmond was a prolific figure in the Canadian civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat in a segregated movie theatre in Nova Scotia. Controlled Damage depicts Viola Desmond’s actions as well as the effects they have on society to this day.
Andrea Scott is an award winning playwright who has been creating plays for ten years now. Her works include a one woman play, Damaged, Better Angels: A Parable and Don’t Talk to Me Like I’m Your Wife, all which were well received by critics.