Stage Door News
Stage Door News
September 21, 2015 (Toronto, ON) – Recognized as a leader in creation of culturally diverse work in Canada, Obsidian Theatre Company is one of Toronto’s most celebrated and cherished theatre companies. This fall, the highly respected producer of Black theatre will celebrate its 15th season in the most incredible way – by highlighting the work of two playwrights born of the company’s Development Series.
Opening the season on February 14, 2016 is the world premiere of Meghan Swaby’s Venus’ Daughter. A play about the intersection of myths, fables and the realities of how women and their bodies are viewed, the production will capture audiences with its perfect combination of storytelling, comedy and rhythm. Featuring performances by Akosua Amo-Adem, Kaleb Alexander and Meghan Swaby (2013 and 2014 Development Series) herself, Venus’ Daughter will challenge this generation’s obsession with the female form through a unique connection to the past.
Taking audiences back to Barbados in the early 1960s, Up The Garden Path (March 23 – April 10) delivers the incredible story telling power of Governor General Literary nominee Lisa Codrington (2013 and 2014 Development Series). Telling the story of Rosa, a young and homeless seamstress, Up the Garden Path speaks greatly to the challenges women face when trying to create a life for themselves that others don’t believe possible. It’s incredible ability to invite audience members into the depths of Rosa’s soul-searching adventure is what will make this bright, face paced, heart wrenching comedy a favourite amongst theatre lovers. Featuring performances by Raven Dauda, Sochi Fried, Virgilia Griffith, Alex McCooeye, Marcel Stewart and Arlene Duncan.
Since its inception in 2000, Obsidian Theatre Company has worked to create a home for Black artists to nurture, discover and develop their craft. Under the artistic direction of Philip Akin and through initiatives such as ObsidianTheatre’s Mentor/Apprentice Program, Obsidian’sPlaywrights Unit and The Development Series, the company has successfully implemented its greatest goal – to bring the Black voice, in its many artistic dialects, to Canada’s cultural forefront. On the eve of it’s 15th anniversary Obsidian Theatre Company boasts over 50 past Apprentices, 27 Playwrights, 16 Dora Mavor Moore Awards and 4 Toronto Theatre Critic Awards, making it the most successful breeding ground for the development of promising playwrights and emerging Black theatre professionals.
“This season of theatre at Obsidian speaks directly to everything we’ve ever wanted to achieve,” said Philip Akin, Artistic Director, Obsidian Theatre Company. “We started Obsidian because there was a paucity of Black voices on the Canadian stage and now, 15 years later, we can say that we have given a voice to almost 100 unique Black Canadians who have chosen to follow their dreams toward theatrical success. Celebrating with the world premieres of playwrights grown here, on our stage, is the most rewarding gift.”
Obsidian Theatre Company’s 15th anniversary season officially launches today. For more information on the company and its extensive community outreach programs visit www.obsidiantheatre.com.
Tickets to the world premiere of Venus’ Daughter can be purchased via email at boxoffice@theathrecenter.org or by calling 416.538.0988.
Tickets to the world premiere of Up The Garden Path can be purchased via artsboxoffice.ca or by phone at 416.504.7529.
2015-09-21
Toronto: Obsidian Theatre announces its 2015/16 season