About Changemakers
Most of us wish we lived in a more just and equitable world, and many have given careful thought to what constructive change might look like. But those who both think about and then actively devote their lives to effecting meaningful and sustainable change in the interests of justice and equity are sadly few and far between.
Join Hart House Conversations for a series of fireside-style chats between Hart House Warden John Monahan and inspiring folks whose discontent with the status quo propels them to be the change they want to see in the world. The series is named after them: we call it “Changemakers.”
About the Event
Great disruption spurs great transformation. As we navigate our complex, interconnected world – fraught with social injustice, a mounting climate crisis and the final throes of a global pandemic – we need leaders who embody understanding, imagination and emotional intelligence. We need individuals who will move beyond the polarizing debates and tackle, with wisdom and vision, the challenges we face.
To cultivate these future leaders, we must deliver transformational experiences that help us tell our stories. For the theatre and arts community, investigating and understanding the circumstances we collectively face and the impact of these realities are key.
How can the arts help us to tell these vital stories? How can the arts help us to understand the complexity and embrace our differences; to navigate these challenges with genuine understanding and, in doing so, enrich the human experience?
Please join us for this essential and timely conversation with groundbreaking theatre and film director, Weyni Mengesha.
This special edition of Hart House Conversations Changemakers series is being offered as part of the University of Toronto’s Alumni Reunion.
Register here to attend Changemakers in person in the Hart House Theatre!
Register here to attend Changemakers online via Zoom!
Please note, we will continue to assess the situation as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to adhere to Provincial health measures.
- Masking is required at all times while in Hart House Theatre unless taking sips of water
- Distancing between households recommended
- We recommend that all visitors to Hart House are vaccinated against COVID-19
- We are not filling Hart House Theatre to capacity in order to help promote social distancing
Speakers
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HostJohn Monahan
Warden, Hart House
John Monahan has been the Warden (ie. chief executive officer) of Hart House at the University of Toronto since 2015. He is a Senior Fellow of Massey College and is an appointed Chair of the university’s Academic Appeals Committee. He also served on the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Before arriving at Hart House, John was the inaugural Executive Director of the Mosaic Institute and a national and international thought-leader on confronting inter-community conflict and promoting social cohesion through education, dialogue and grassroots peacebuilding. Previously, John practised labour, employment and human rights law with Fasken; led the strategic development and oversight of Ontario’s international network of trade and investment offices; served as inaugural Director of the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in downtown Toronto; and was posted to the Canadian Consulate-General in New York as Consul (Economic Affairs-Ontario) in the aftermath of 9/11. He holds a BA in International Relations from Trinity College, a JD from the University of Toronto, and an MPA from Dalhousie University. He also received a diploma in French language and civilization from l’Université des Sciences Humaines de Strasbourg and studied law at l’Université Panthéon-Assas in Paris.
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Guest SpeakerWeyni Mengesha
Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company
Weyni Mengesha is the Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto and an award-winning director, known for her ground-breaking work and community engagement. Weyni has directed shows across Canada that have gone on to tour nationally and internationally, and have been developed into television shows playing on CBC, Global, and Netflix. She has also directed in London, New York, and Los Angeles, garnering an NAACP nomination for Best Direction as well as Dora (Toronto), Drama League (New York), and Drama Critics Circle (Los Angeles) nominations and awards for Outstanding Direction.
Weyni has been an instructor at the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Canadian Film Centre and was Co-Artistic Director of the A.M.Y (artists mentoring youth) Project for seven years. She has also directed award winning short films, episodic TV and is developing her first feature.
UofT's Alumni Reunion 2022 Hart House Pub Under The Stars
Join us for an evening under the stars in the iconic Hart House quadrangle from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET, with incredible food stations and featured Ontario breweries and wineries. All alumni welcome and bring the kids along! Reconnect with the U of T community and discover new connections.
The menu has been created to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. Please contact us in advance if you would like to discuss your dietary requirements.
$24.95 +HST includes full dinner buffet and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Purchase bar for alcoholic drinks. (All sales final.) Register here to attend U of T's Alumni Spring Reunion 2022 - Hart House Under The Stars - in person in the Hart House Quadrangle!
We continue to assess the situation as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and adhere to Provincial health measures, and ask that you remain flexible, should we need to postpone the event to another date. To help protect and promote the health and safety of staff, students and other visitors to Hart House as of May 1st, masks are not required, however they are strongly encouraged in all indoor spaces of Hart House.
Co-Hosted by the Hart House Theatre
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