‘da kink in my hair
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking production featuring many of the original cast members. Directed by Soulpepper’s Weyni Mengesha. This show is part of the TO Live Presents fall 2022 season.
December 06, 2022 - December 23, 2022
Bluma Appel Theatre
Casting announced for 20th Anniversary of 'da Kink in my Hair
Original cast members Ordena Stephens-Thompson, d’bi.young anitafrika, Miranda Edwards and Satori Shakoor return along with original director Weyni Mengesha to celebrate this milestone in Canadian theatre
(TORONTO, October 13, 2022) Today, Soulpepper Theatre Company and TO Live announced members of the upcoming 20th Anniversary production of Trey Anthony’s ‘da Kink in my Hair.
Set in a vibrant and bustling West Indian hair salon in Toronto's Caribbean community of Eglinton West, ‘da Kink in My Hair untangles the triumphs and tragedies of the women who sit in Novelette's salon chair, giving voice to a group of women who tell us their unforgettable, moving, and often hilarious stories. Mixing laughter and tears—and told in words, music, and dance—the stories explore the hardship, struggles, and joys of Black women's lives.
Leading the ensemble as salon owner Novelette “Letty” Campbell is Ordena Stephens-Thompson who played “Patsy” in the original stage production and starred as “Novellette” in the celebrated “’da Kink in My Hair” TV series (currently streaming on CBC Gem).
Other original cast members joining Ordena Stephens-Thompson - all of whom will reprise their roles - are d’bi.young anitafrika (London-based dub poet, theatre interventionist and Canadian Poet of Honour) as “Stacey-Anne,”__ Miranda Edwards__ (“Orphan Black,” “Family Law”) as “Sherelle,” and Satori Shakoor (toured with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as one of the Brides of Funkenstein, founding member of the award-winning Obsidian Theatre Company) as “Miss Enid.” They will be joined onstage with Olunike Adeliyi (“The Porter,” “Workin’ Moms”) as “Nia,” Tamara Brown (for colored girls… at Soulpepper, ‘da Kink in My Hair (NAC/Theatre Calgary) as “Patsy,” Shakura Dickson (Lady Day Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Theatre Calgary) as “Sharmaine.”
In addition, the production will have a live band. Alana Bridgewater (“Killer Queen” in the Toronto production of We Will Rock You, “Ma Rainey” in Soulpepper's production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) joins the company as an onstage vocalist.
Joining director Weyni Mengesha is choreographer Jaz “Fairy J” Simone. The design and production team comprises Rachel Forbes, costume design; Kimberly Purtell, lighting design; Thomas Ryder Payne, sound design; Joanna Yu, set design; and stage managed by the original stage manager Michael Sinclair (current General Manager, Obsidian Theatre Company).
‘da Kink’s original director and Soulpepper Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha said “Trey and I are really looking forward to revisiting this show that had a huge impact on so many of us twenty years ago. We can’t wait to share it with this city again and invite a new generation to be a part of the experience.”
Playwright Trey Anthony is a visionary creator who uses the unique blend of comedy, theatre, motivational talk, and her own life experiences to inspire and lift up others. She is a professional speaker, lifestyle coach, producer, author, and award-winning playwright, but she’s also “your girl” who tells it how it is. Through art, humour, and the power of a clear message, she’s here to give Black women the no-nonsense tools to take control of their lives and thrive!
Weyni Mengesha is a Canadian stage and film director known for her groundbreaking work and community engagement. In her current role as Artistic Director for Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto - Weyni is passionate about curating programming to ignite cultural conversations. Mengesha has directed plays in Toronto, London, New York, and Los Angeles—earning her an NAACP nomination for Best Direction as well as nominations and awards for stage direction including Drama League (New York), Drama Critics Circle (Los Angeles) and Dora (Toronto). Many of Weyni's shows have gone on to receive critical acclaim—touring nationally and internationally while breaking box office records.
‘da Kink in my Hair debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2001 and was subsequently expanded and presented at Theatre Passe-Muraille in 2003. In 2005, Mirvish Productions underwrote a larger production at the Princess of Wales Theatre which ran for an extended three-month engagement. In addition, the show has also been produced at the San Diego Repertory Theatre in San Diego, and at the Hackney Empire in London, among many other theatres.
Soulpepper Theatre Company and TO Live present
‘da Kink in my Hair by Trey Anthony
Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East
December 6 – 23, 2022
Previews December 6, December 7, and December 8, 8pm Opening Night – Friday, December 9, 8pm
Performances continue Tuesday – Saturday, 8pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm; plus, Wednesday, December 21, 2pm
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit at www.tolive.com or www.soulpepper.ca.