21 Black Futures: The Anthology Book Launch

Thank you to everyone who made our 21 Black Futures: The Anthology Book Launch a memorable event! The readings and performances by the artists who contributed to this monumental series were truly inspiring. 

We would like to express our gratitude to Soulpepper Theatre for providing the space for this event, Playwrights Canada Press for helping with the organization and presentation, and the presenters Courage Bacchus, Cherissa Richards, Amanda Parris, Lucius Dechausay, Motion, and Marcia Adolphe for their wonderful contributions! 

If you’re interested in purchasing 21 Black Futures: The Anthology, you can do so online at Playwright Press Canada or in-person at Soulpepper Theatre.

Photos by Henry Chan

“THREE SISTERS” EXTENDED TO MARCH 24!

We are thrilled to start previews of the much-anticipated production of Three Sisters with a star studded cast this Thursday! This week’s schedule is bustling with a variety of exciting events that we’re eager for you to be a part of. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable memories with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! We have some incredible ancillary events accompanying our highly anticipated Canadian Premiere of “Three Sisters”!  All upcoming events will be held at Soulpepper Theatre.

21 Black Futures: The Anthology Book Launch
February 29 | 6pm to 7pm
The evening will feature readings from Amanda Parris, Cherissa Richards, Natasha “Courage” Bacchus and Motion. RSVP and get a code to see “Three Sisters” on the same night for $21!

African Celebration Night
March 2 | 5pm to 8pm
An open invitation to African audiences to experience Three Sisters with their community. The evening will be a space for Africans and all folks of the diaspora to gather and witness a show that reflects their unique experience. 

African Celebration Market
March 9 & 16 | 3pm to 8pm
African fashion, skincare, artwork and more await you! Come celebrate the richness of the vast African diaspora at the Three Sisters African Celebration Market.

Black Ties
March 22 | 5pm to 7pm
Obsidian’s annual networking event; a gathering of young-in-craft and professional Black theatre artists to chat, connect, and eat good food, Featuring a pre-show panel on reinterpreting Western classics through the Black lens. With Djanet Sears, Lisa Codrington, Joseph Jomo Pierre and moderated by Natasha Mumba.

21 Black Futures: The Anthology Book Launch

Join us and Playwrights Canada Press for 21 Black Futures: The Anthology Book Launch at Soulpepper Theatre on February 29th at 6pm. 

The evening will feature readings from Amanda Parris, Cherissa Richards, Natasha “Courage” Bacchus and Motion. To enhance your evening, registrants will receive, a discount code to access $21 tickets to the February 29th evening performance of Three Sisters by Inua Ellams, After Chekhov, at 7:30pm following the event. 

Join us for our Annual General Meeting

Learn more about Obsidian Theatre, in our upcoming Annual General Meeting on January 29 at 7pm.

Rehearsals for Three Sisters are now underway!

We are ecstatic to begin rehearsals for Three Sisters! The creative energy in the room was electric, and we can’t wait to bring this timeless classic re-imagined by Nigerian born British playwright Inua Ellams to life! 

Three Sisters Synopsis:
A year has passed since their father died but the three sisters – Lolo, Nne Chukwu and Udo – are still grappling with his loss. What’s more, they’re stuck in a small village in Owerri, Nigeria and are longing to return to the cosmopolitan city of their birth, Lagos. What they don’t know is that the Biafran Civil War is about to erupt and change their lives and their country. Chekhov’s classic play is reimagined to explore the devastation of colonialism and a fight for emancipation through the lens of family and love.

Learn more about the cast and creative team!

Creative Direction: Chinedu Ukabam

Poster Photo By: Roya DelSo

Rehearsal Photos By: Dahlia Katz

We have a Two-Show Deal!

We have a special holiday offer! Get tickets for Three Sisters and seven methods of killing kylie jenner for ONLY $60+HST using code “OTCDEAL24“.

Unlock the benefits of a concierge-like service to help you select preferred show dates from Tuesday to Friday, ensuring flexibility, convenience, and savings while watching our upcoming season.

This exclusive holiday rate will only last until January 3, 2024! The prices go up afterwards. Limited passes are available. 

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Our show deal includes:

Learn more about these shows!

Tis’ the Season of Giving!

We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a supporter of Obsidian Theatre.

As we approach the end of the year, we are reaching out to our community for support during this season of giving. Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our upcoming season, as well as the development of our artistic programming.

Your generosity has always been a driving force behind our ability to bring impactful stories to the stage, and we are immensely thankful for your continued support.

From Mumbi, Michael, daniel and Cherise, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Photo by: RoyaDel Sol

Creative Direction: Chinedu Ukabam

In Memory of Charles Officer

We are devastated about the passing of beloved Director, Actor and talented human, Charles Officer. Charles was a dear friend, mentor, colleague and inspiring co-conspirator to the Obsidian team and our community at large. We greatly mourn his passing. 

Charles fought hard to put Black stories and Black talent at the forefront of his work as a Director and influential filmmaker and theatre maker. Some of his most notable work  included Nurse. Fighter. Boy, The Skin We are In, Unarmed Verses, Akilla’s Escape and The Porter TV Series. For Obsidian Theatre, Charles most recently directed The Death News by Amanda Parris as part of our 21 Black Futures series which went on to win three Canadian Screen Awards including Best Direction. Charles also directed the theatrical production of Aneemah’s Spot by Motion which Obsidian sponsored in 2012. 

“Charles was such an inspiration. He blazed a trail for so many of us Black storytellers in the industry. Even though he was predominantly working in film and tv, he loved the theatre and made it possible for me to imagine the possibility of moving fluidly between both mediums. When we decided to embark on 21 Black Futures, he was one of the first people I called. And I called him many times during that process! He was a huge resource. And the beautiful  thing is that I knew I could call him because he had always been incredibly generous with his time. No matter how busy he got. And he was so generous because he loved our community and cared deeply about our stories. It is truly hard to imagine he is gone but his legacy brightly shines on.” 

Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu, Artistic Director, Obsidian Theatre

Elevate the Black Voice: Join Obsidian Theatre Company on Giving Tuesday!

Dear supporters,

As we approach the season of giving, Obsidian Theatre Company extends heartfelt gratitude to you, our invaluable supporters, for standing with us on this Giving Tuesday. This year, your generosity has the power to make an impact not just on a single day, but throughout the entire week. From November 28 to December 1, we invite you to join us in this week-long celebration of uplifting the Black voice in theatre. 

Obsidian Theatre Company is dedicated to amplifying the Black voice, fostering diversity, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Through your generosity, we’ve been able to produce groundbreaking performances that resonate with authenticity and captivate audiences. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be a part of our continued journey to keep the Black voice heard.

Your donation today will directly contribute to our mission of empowering underrepresented voices in the theatre. It enables us to produce thought-provoking plays, support emerging Black playwrights, and provide opportunities for Black artists to shine on stage. Your contribution is not just a donation; it’s an investment in the power of storytelling to create positive change.

Whether you’ve been a longtime supporter or are considering making your first donation, we appreciate every gesture that helps us fulfill our mission. No amount is too small, as each contribution adds up to create a resounding impact.

Thank you for your consideration, and for joining us in giving back this Giving Tuesday. Together, let’s continue to elevate the Black voice and make a lasting difference in the world of theatre.

With gratitude,
Obisdian Theatre Company Team