Community Conversations

Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train takes us inside Rikers Island and asks the audience hard questions about justice, punishment, and redemption. Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha moderated a post-show conversation with those on the frontlines of Canada’s justice system, including Anthony N. Morgan (Lawyer & Manager of Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto); Annamaria Enenajor (founder Cannabis Amnesty and Partner at RSED); Faisal Mirza (a criminal trial lawyer with Mirza Kwok); and Emily Lam (Partner, Kastner Lam LLP).

This Community Conversation was recorded before the surge in the Black Lives Matter movement currently happening around the world, but we invite you to use your time to listen, reflect, and take action on dismantling the systems of oppression that permeate our society and our community. 

Their work has moved you on screen, on stage, and in the jam. Now see some of Toronto’s leading Black artists up close and personal as they catch a vibe and share stories about the people and pieces that inspire them.

Featuring: Philip Akin (Artistic Director, Obsidian Theatre), DJ L’Oqenz (DJ, producer, music director, sound designer and cultural curator), Weyni Mengesha (Artistic Director, Soulpepper Theatre), Amanda Parris (Playwright, Host on CBC Radio and Television), and SATE (Singer, Actor, Mover).

This Community Conversation was recorded before the surge in the Black Lives Matter movement currently happening around the world, but we invite you to use your time to listen, reflect, and take action on dismantling the systems of oppression that permeate our society and our community. 

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2019, five of Canada’s groundbreaking artistic leaders sit down to ask each other questions about their journeys and aspirations as industry leaders. Join Andrea Donaldson (Nightwood Theatre), Mel Hague (Rhubarb Festival), Nina Lee Aquino (Factory Theatre), Weyni Mengesha (Soulpepper Theatre Company), and Kelly Thornton (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre) for an intimate and inspiring conversation, and a performance by Carvella Lee. Proceeds from the event were donated to support the incredible initiatives at the Artists Mentoring Youth (AMY) Project.

PLEASE NOTE: Around the 7 minute mark there are some technical issues with the audio, which lasts about 2 minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience, but keep listening - it's worth it.