Works-In-Progress Mini Festival presented by MT Space

Join us in the new year for the second presentation of MT Space's 2024-25 season! 2024 marked 20 years of MT Space and this season is our first full return to our Presenting Series, this time featuring a mini festival.

We are presenting four shows in various stages of production at the Registry Theatre. With just two chances to see each piece, you won't want to miss out on taking a sneak peek at some amazing new theatre pieces in-the-works! Each show is 60 mins long with a 15-minute intermission between each performance. 

THE LINE-UP

JANUARY 16TH (double bill)

Homecoming (Mada Theatre) by Hiyam Mahrat and Ameya Kale

Before I Die (Mada Theatre) by Nada Humsi, directed by Hazim Kamaledin 

JANUARY 17TH (double bill) 

UNCIVILIZED (7Spices Theatre / مسرح 7 بهارات) by Ahmad Meree

Anchors (supported by MT Space) by Abhimanyu Acharya

JANUARY 18TH (two double bills, with ASL interpretation)

UNCIVILIZED (7Spices Theatre / مسرح 7 بهارات) by Ahmad Meree

Anchors (supported by MT Space) by Abhimanyu Acharya

Homecoming (Mada Theatre) by Hiyam Mahrat and Ameya Kale

Before I Die (Mada Theatre) by Nada Humsi, directed by Hazim Kamaledin 

ABOUT THE SHOWS

Homecoming – Mada Theatre  

Through a dynamic conversation between two immigrants – a landlord and a tenant – Homecoming focuses on the struggles encountered when trying to secure a house in a new country. At its core, Homecoming explores the notions of 'home' and 'belonging'. Playing on multiple denotations of what home means, the piece engages parallel and intersecting realities to explore the complexities and challenges of being on, in and with a land, and colonial/post-colonial themes that emerge within these complexities. The play is an attempt to understand the perspectives of both tenants and landlords, portraying their struggles, motivations, and vulnerabilities.

 
Show Credits

Performers – Hiyam Mahrat & Ameya Kale
Director – Nada Humsi
Script Developer – Prashant Das
Musician – Max Lindsay
Stage Manager – Lindsay McDonald

 

Before I Die – Mada Theatre

Nada Humsi – who immigrated to Canada a quarter of a century ago – is growing older and facing immense obstacles. She struggled, succeeded and failed. Especially when the genre is theatre, where there is no money, fame, red carpets or mention in the media. Hence, the theater artist becomes a little prophet with a little prophecy to fight for. 

And every step she takes to pursue her artistic career is met with a diplomatic tone 

“You are passé, slow, no longer sexy, no longer an innovator, no longer fit—you’re out of life.” 

A reflection on Nada's personal and artistic life celebrating half a century of her theatrical practice parallel to the lives of artists from different eras and genres, transcending the individual and merging with the collective.

 
Show Credits 

Playwright & Performer – Nada Humsi
Director & Editor – Dr. Hazim Kamaledin
Dramaturge – Paddy Gillard-Bentley
Set & Video Designer – Gary Kirkham
Music & Soundscape – Nuha Yousuf
Lighting Designer – Cameron Slipp
Stage Manager – Lindsay McDonald
Tailor – Helen Basson

Before I Die is generously supported by Canada Council of the Arts. 

Mada Theatre is grateful to MT Space, ArabyOn, and the community for their continuous unwavering support of these projects. 
 
Anchors – Abhimanyu Acharya

A ship from a distant land arrives at a new country, but the laws restrict the passengers from landing. Stranded in port for six weeks, the ship is without food or supplies. 

The captain faces mutiny as he tries to mend his relationship with his son; the mixed-race immigration officer must prove his loyalty to the new country while navigating his married life; and a young couple, who scammed their way onto the ship, realize their dreams may not come true after all.  

Loosely based on the Komagata Maru Incident, Anchors examines the notions of home, race, and identity in the face of shifting socio-political agendas.   

Show Credits 

Playwright – Abhimanyu Acharya
Director – Nicole Joy-Fraser*
Performers – Sharada Eswar, Brad Cook*
Movement Director – Chintan Shelat
Stage Manager – Nathalie Cocq

* The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity
Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.

UNCIVILIZED - 7Spices Theatre / مسرح 7 بهارات
 
A story about identity, and what it means to be a Syrian-Canadian citizen. And refusing to politicize human rights. It's about the journey of leaving home to become a refugee and then a citizen. What is identity... a piece of paper? We’ll see. 

Show Credits 

Playwright & Performer – Ahmad Meree (as Mohammad)
Director – Rouvan Silogix
Dramaturge – Ric Knowles
The Voice – Mikaela Davies
Video Designer – Nicole Eun-Ju Bell
Sound Designer – Nigel Irwin
Lighting Designer – Chris Malkowski
Stage Manager – Cameron Slipp
Additional Video Editor – Rafik Alsamkary