GCTC presents "blood.claat: one oomaan story"

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – February 23, 2010

 

The Great Canadian Theatre Company is excited to present blood.claat: one oomaan story written and performed by d’bi.young anitafrika, at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St. West (at Holland Ave.). Following two preview performances on March 2 and 3, 2010, blood.claat officially opens on March 4, 2010 and runs until March 21, 2010.

 

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, anitafrika has been amazing audiences in Canada and around the world since 2003. In 2006, her performance in the internationally touring production of da kink in my hair was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore award. The Toronto Arts Council Foundation awarded anitafrika their emerging artist award in 2007. She is also recognized as one of Canada’s most notable dub poets, a style of performance poetry that features spoken word over reggae rhythms.

 

blood.claat was first presented in workshop form at the New York City Hip Hop Festival in 2004. The one-woman show was first produced by Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille in the 2005/06 season as part of the Stage 6 festival. In 2006, blood.claat was nominated for five Dora awards, and won two: Outstanding Performance and Outstanding New Play. Recently, blood.claat has appeared on stages in Vancouver as part of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival as well as in Montreal and Victoria.

 

Set in Kingston, Jamaica, blood.claat is the coming-of-age story of 15-year-old Mudgu SanKofa. Her mother has gone to Canada in search of a better life for both of them, leaving Mudgu with her cleanliness-obsessed granny. Using the constant cycle of blood as a metaphor throughout the story, Mudgu encounters her reggae-loving boyfriend, a machete-wielding stranger and her religious aunty as she bridges the gap between innocence and maturity.

 

blood.claat is directed by Dora-nominated Weyni Mengesha. The sound designer is Thomas Ryder Payne with additional drumming, vocals and composition by Amina Alfred. The Costumer Designer is Erika Connor. Steve Lucas created the original set & lighting design and the GCTC production welcomes Associate Set & Lighting Designer, Aaron Kelly. The Stage Manager is Samira Rose, with Apprentice Stage Manager, Adrienne McGrath

To purchase tickets, please visit www.gctc.ca or call the Box Office at 613-236-5196

 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Falkingham

Marketing and Communications Manager

Great Canadian Theatre Company

613-236-5192 ext 229

publicity@gctc.ca