Hart House Black Futures & Hart House Theatre invite you to a virtual conversation with Toronto-based singer, actor and storyteller Nicky Lawrence.
Overview
Often in Canadian theatre, there are maybe only one or two Black performers in each rehearsal room. This in-depth discussion, led by performer and artist Nicky Lawrence, will focus on how to navigate the waters of isolation as an actor of colour.
Through intimate stories and dialogue, participants will discuss how to handle outrageous comments, how to recognize microagressions, and how to combat the racism and ignorance which still exists on many sets and in many rehearsal rooms. Nicky will share personal stories of quick action taken when she felt uncomfortable as a Black woman and discuss options of how to address these unfortunate situations.
All are welcome to join this insightful conversation.
More about Nicky Lawrence
Nicky Lawrence has been developing her show Ugly Black Woman since the fall of 2018, when she was commissioned by Hart House at the University of Toronto to present new work as part of Black Futures—a series of presentations in celebration of Black History Month (Feb., 2019). Since that first sold-out performance, Nicky has workshopped the show at various venues in Toronto and Ottawa including The Paradise Theatre, The Dakota Lounge and The Drake Underground. Each performance experimented with developments in the script, musical score, band instrumentation and video projection.
Speaker
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Nicky Lawrence
Nicky Lawrence is a Toronto-based singer, actor and storyteller. She has toured Canada as a vocalist with Amanda Marshall, Jully Black, and Ivana Santilli, and has been a featured singer in special performances such as Women’s Blues Review (Roy Thompson Hall, 2018) and The Etta James Tribute Show (Lula Lounge, 2019). Nicky’s acting career has included singing and character roles in TV (Schitt’s Creek, Anne with an E, and Workin’ Moms) and theatre (Ragtime!, Shaw Festival ,Shrek the Musical Neptune, Seussical YPT and Hairspray Drayton).
Theatre Articles: some resource materials on microagressions in theatre
This is a compiled list of a few resources. It is not comprehensive, nor is it required reading for participation in the workshop.
- Huffington Post
Sarah Neville: How To Shut Down Microaggressions While Keeping Your Cool - Howlround Theatre Commons
Lashad Beck: How to Handle Microaggressions in Theatre - American Theatre
Dominique Morisseau: Why I Almost Slapped a Fellow Theatre Patron, and What That Says About Our Theatres - Latinx Theatre Commons
Cultural Microaggressions in Theatre Reviews A Call for Dialogue - Colourlines
Sameer Rao (Host): LISTEN: Solange Discusses the Microaggressions That Inspired 'A Seat at the Table'
