Women of the Fur Trade
Three women living near the Red River during the “18-somethings” find that choosing political stances on the Métis Resistance and navigating personal relationships, all pose a challenge in their own way. As they chat about all things 1800’s and remarkably, contemporary pop culture, they are forced to confront how their histories, circumstances, and personal feelings all play in part in their futures and friendships.
- Skyler Anderson - Louis Riel
- Sarah Bergbusch - Cecilia
- Ruaridh MacDonald - Thomas Scott
- Dominga Robinson - Eugenia
- Felisha Simone - Marie-Angelique
I Want to Fly
I Want to Fly by Thembelihle Moyo. Curated and Directed by Bongani Musa.
I Want To Fly tells the story of Yinka, a young woman who dreams of being a pilot, but her father has other plans. The gap between the rich and the poor is very wide. The most affected group are women, especially women like Yinka who are based in rural areas. I Want To Fly looks at consequences of living in a patriarchal society and how it affects the most marginalized people, often turning them into commodities. An extraordinary play by one of Zimbabwe’s rising stars.
Cast:
- Natasha Courage Bacchus - Aunt Sihle, Mankwinji's Mother
- Vuyo Ginidza - Thusa, Mrs. Manzi
- Marci Johnson - Mankwinji, Yantonto
- Henry Shikongo - Shumba
- Audrey Thibault - Yinka
- Gregory-Yves - Nqwayi
February 23rd, 2022
Two Birds One Stone
Two Birds One Stone by Natasha Greenlatt adn Rimah Jabr. Curator and Directed by Rania Al-Harthi
Two Birds One Stone explores the stories of two women looking to their past to explore their identity- Rimah Jabr was born a Muslim Palestinian, Natasha Greenblatt was born a Jewish Canadian. They met for the first time in Toronto, but their stories and histories are intertwined. The play examines two crisscrossing histories told through the vastly different perspectives of two young women with a strong connection to the same house in Israel/Palestine. The play features dozens of characters from both sides of the wall, each asking complicated questions about identity, privilege, and home.
Cast:
- Kris Alvarez - Rimah
- Johanna Bundon - Natasha
- Ruaridh MacDonald - Stage Directions
March 24th, 2022
Sizwe Banzi is Dead
Sizwe Banzi is Dead by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona. Curated and Directed by Bongani Musa.
Examining identity and finding yourself in Apartheid era South Africa. Audiences will discover the complicated history of a mysterious man and the lengths he will go to provide for his family. We are transported to Port Elizabeth through Styles, an enigmatic photographer. We see the world as he does, through his camera lens, and are party to the stories, trials, and tribulations of those who visit his studio.
Sizwe Banzi Is Dead was programmed to honour the South African Day of Independence on April 27 and focusses on the “dompass” law which dictates the movement of Black South Africans during Apartheid.
Cast:
- Vuyo Ginindza - Styles & Buntu
- Bongani Musa - Director & Sizwe Bansi
- Jadav Cyr - Stage Directions
- Arthur Milner - Assistant Director
May 3rd, 2022
Facts
Facts by Arthur Milner, Curated and Directed by Rania Al-Harthi
Facts follows the relationship between a Palestinian and an Israeli police officer as they investigate the murder of an American teaching a the West Bank University, and the militant settler accused of the crime. The play is part thrilling murder-mystery and so much more. It offers a 75-minute crash course on the Middle East. Audiences learn about identity, tradition, and habits as we investigate conflict and getting along. Facts is funny, sad, and honest. This powerfully moving play is the perfect selection for our final installment of the play reading series
Cast:
- Haysam Kadri – Khalid Yassin
- Arthur Milner – Playwright, Yossi HaCohen
- Cavan Cunningham – Danny Rakoff
- Sierra Haynes – Stage Directions
May 27th, 2022
