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  

Directed by Nada Humsi
Script developed by Prashant Das 

Through a conversation between two characters – a landlord and a tenant – the story attempts to build a narrative that can resonate with the audience's experiences. At its core, Homecoming explores the notions of 'home' and 'belonging'. The piece is an attempt to understand the perspectives of both the tenant and the landlord, presenting a balanced portrayal of their struggles, motivations, and vulnerabilities.

Although the piece showcases the experiences of new Canadians, the essence of the play is not limited to the newcomer experience. It talks about universal emotions - one’s sense of displacement, and yearning for a place one can call their own. The story also examines the unconscious biases embedded within the rental process. 
 
Show Credits 
Directed by Nada Humsi
Performed by Hiyam Mahrat & Ameya Kale 
Script Developer – Prashant Das 

 

Before I Die – Mada Theatre

Adaption and direction by Hazim Kamaledin 
Written and performed by Nada Humsi 
 
 
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 innovator or 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 
Directed by Hazim Kamaledin 
Written and performed by Nada Humsi 
 
 
Anchors – Abhimanyu Acharya

Written by Abhimanyu Acharya 

A response to Sharon Pollock's Canadian classic 'The Komagata Maru Incident'. While Pollock's play documents the historical incident and weaves in a critique of the immigration policy, the new play documents the same incident but from a South Asian perspective. 

Considering the Koma Gata Maru incident is pivotal in the histories of both Canada and South Asia, the absence of a South Asian perspective in Pollock's play is conspicuous. The new play, in that sense, also acts as a corrective.  
While dealing with the past, it also weaves in the current policies of the Canadian state on immigration and thus connects the past and the present. 

Show Credits 
TBA 
 

UNCIVILIZED - 7Spices Theatre / مسرح 7 بهارات
 
Written and performed by Ahmad Meree 
Dramaturged by Ric Knowles

 
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 
Written and performed by Ahmad Meree 
Dramaturged by Ric Knowles