shaniqua in abstraction

• Details

  WORLD PREMIERE

  Following up on her 2022 summer hit MASHUP PON DI ROAD, bahia watson thoughtfully blends razor-sharp humour with a piercing cultural critique in her intrepidly daring one-woman show shaniqua in abstraction.

  After starring in Crow’s Theatre’s Someone Else and The Seagull (co-produced with The Company Theatre) and, most recently, thrilling audiences with her unforgettable turn as Sonya in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, bahia returns in her Crow’s Theatre playwriting debut. 

  In this searching new work, bahia brings her poet’s heart, vaulting imagination, and disarming humour to shape a kaleidoscopic explosion of experiences and shifting identities that defiantly push back the boundaries defining Black womanhood.

  paul watson productions is a free-spirited, fun-loving, world-building force dedicated to creating art for the people. From the Caribbean vaudevillian fringe hit pomme is french for apple to the island-kissed, travelling-circus comedy MASHUP PON DI ROAD, paul watson productions supports artists who challenge oppressive entities while also valuing the utmost importance of play. 

  Obsidian Theatre Company is an award-winning theatre company passionately dedicated to the exploration, development, and production of the Black voice. As Canada’s leading culturally specific theatre company, it has a threefold mission to produce plays, develop playwrights, and train emerging theatre professionals.

  _{ABOVE: Promo video for shaniqua in abstraction by Roya DelSol. Featuring bahia watson. Shaniqua Ode composed by Maiko Munroe.} 

   

  DIG DEEPER INTO THE SHANIQUAVERSE (Read the press!)

  An interview with director Sabryn Rock in the Toronto Star

  https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/she-starred-in-theatre-and-tvs-biggest-shows-then-discovered-director-was-a-role-she/article_4d21a362-f046-11ee-9edb-831d055e5f4e.html

   

  "I urge you to come and witness shaniqua in abstraction."

  https://aviewfromthebox.net/2024/04/13/crows-theatre-in-association-with-paul-watson-productions-and-obsidian-theatre-companys-shaniqua-in-abstraction/

   

  "Captures the joys and frustrations of being a Black woman right here, right now."

  https://www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/article/Review-SHANIQUA-IN-ABSTRACTION-at-Streetcar-Crowsnest-20240415

   

  "A compelling, complex, and carefully nuanced experience. bahia watson has become one of our country’s finest storytellers.”

  https://www.ourtheatrevoice.com/items-7/%27shaniqua-in-abstraction%27-written-and-performed-by-bahia-watson

   

   DIGITAL PROGRAMME

  DOWNLOAD THE HOUSE PROGRAMME 

   

  AUDIENCE ADVISORY

  shaniqua in abstraction contains real talk. (ie. swear words, depictions of whiteness, slurs, etc.) and an e-cigarette, briefly. Please speak with a staff member for more details.

  PERFORMANCE NOTES 

  Black Out Performance:

  • Friday, April 26 @ 8pm – All tickets $20 plus fees and hst

  Black Out Performances are evenings dedicated to celebrating Black stories, Black artists, and Black audience members by providing a safe space for them to experience theatre that is for and by the Black community.

  A night to centre and celebrate the Black experience, Black Out performances begin to help us address the racial imbalance on and off the stage in the theatre community.

  In addition to the performance, the night will include post-show revelry in our lobby bar!

  All tickets $20 plus fees and hst. 

   

  “Bahia Watson is outstanding.” Torontonicity

  

  Subscribe & Save! Purchase a four or six ticket flexible subscription and save up to 30% compared to single tickets!
  
  

  This production is supported in part thanks to
  The Slaight Family Creation Residency

  Crow’s Theatre Production Residency Program

  PRESENTING SPONSOR  

  

  SUPPORTING SPONSORS

  The Meighen Family Foundation

  

   

  
• Dates & Times
  • Wed Apr 24, 2024 – 2:00pm Buy Tickets
  • Wed Apr 24, 2024 – 8:00pm Buy Tickets
  • Thu Apr 25, 2024 – 8:00pm Buy Tickets
  • Fri Apr 26, 2024 – 8:00pm Buy Tickets
    (Sold Out)
  • Sat Apr 27, 2024 – 2:00pm Buy Tickets
  • Sat Apr 27, 2024 – 8:00pm Buy Tickets
  • Sun Apr 28, 2024 – 2:00pm Buy Tickets
• The Team

  CAST

  • bahia watson - performer

  CREATIVE

  • bahia watson - playwright
  • Sabryn Rock - Director
  • Echo Zhou - Set Designer
  • Kimberly Purtell - Lighting Designer
  • Laura Warren - Video Designer
  • Thomas Ryder Payne - Sound Designer
  • Jaz Fairy J - Choreographer
  • Sabrina Pye - Head of Props & Design Associate
  • Des’ree Gray - Head of Wardrobe & Costume Consultant
  • Loralie Pollard - Stage Manager
  • Katie Saunoris, KSPR - Publicist