Write Here Immersive Playwrights’ Unit

In 2023, Thou Art Here Theatre launch our inaugural Write Here Immersive Playwright’s Unit to support the development of three new immersive theatre plays by Edmonton playwrights. We believe immersive theatre has the power to highlight communities, locations, and landmarks. Our hope is that these plays will shine a light on special parts of our city through the eyes of these playwrights.

10 Stops East

by Candace Job

“While most of my work is created through collaboration and devising, I am excited to have the opportunity to bring to life two new original works as a playwright in Edmonton this year. I will be working hard to bring to life the immersive theatre piece “10 Stops East” (working title) with Thou Art Here Theatre as a part of their Playwrights Unit. This new work aims to cultivate critical thought around how people in positions of power can restrict both physical mobility and class mobility amongst social groups. Alongside this project I will be writing a new one-man show, “For Her” through the RBC Emerging Artists Playwright Mentorship Program.” – Candace Job

Creative Team

Playwright: Candace Job
Director: Alexandra Dawkins*
Dramaturge: Beth Graham
Actors: Jake Tkaczyk* & Dayna Lea Hoffmann
Stage Manager: Steven Sobolewski*

Producer: Alyson Dicey

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

A TALE OF TWO BUNDLES

by KIJO GATAMA

“I grew up sitting on the salon chair or the living room floor with a small cushion under my bum, to the backseat of my mother’s car, getting my hair slicked back for church. Putting them cornrows, twists, crochet, braids, beads, weaves, and all the colours of the rainbow on a Sunday and then a fresh look on a Monday, having kids and teachers asking me, “how’d your hair grow so fast?” and me grinning. This piece is a love letter. Period. All curls. No perms. In the next couple of months, I’ll gather stories visiting my sister’s salon (sassy salon) in Montreal, where I grew up. I’ll be interviewing folks in the chair and behind it, then in Toronto, and returning to Edmonton’s Black salon scene on 118 avenue, the epicenter for Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons engaging directly with the Black stylists of our city. It’s the traveling of the strands, an education and an invitation to the magic and versatility of the Afro and Afro wearers. I’m excited to work alongside Shima Robinson, and a few local artists/hairstylist who will be crafting this story together.” – Kijo Gatama

Creative Team

Playwright: Kijo Gatama
Dramaturge: Shima Robinson
Director: Patricia Darbasie*
Actors: Helen Belay*, Moses Kouyaté, & NiLo
Stage Manager: Patton Wei

Producer: Alyson Dicey

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

Love Letter

by aisha

“I hope to work on an interactive walk experience which highlights a very special neighbourhood in Millwoods. Through interactive and innovative storytelling methods I want to write an experience that tells the story of my childhood growing up Trans, Queer, and Indian. When I had to leave Edmonton, I didn’t realize just how connected I was to the neighbourhood, nature, and environment I grew up around. How I somehow came back to the same street, same park, and same people, with different identities, values, and homes. I really want to capture the essence of all that Edmonton and my experiences mean to me.” – Aisha

Creative Team

Playwright: Aisha
Dramaturge: desirée leverenz
Director: Tracy Carroll*
Actors: Alexander Ariate*, Noori Gill*, & Shrina Patel

Design Consultant: T. Erin Gruber
Stage Manager: Patton Wei
Producer: Alyson Dicey

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