Taking Flight
September 2009
So, yes it is our 10th Anniversary and while the traditional gifts are tin or aluminum the modern gift is diamond jewelry. We opted for the latter and so we are bringing to you a sweet diamond of a season. From Yellowman to Intimate Apparel to who knew grannie: a dub aria, these theatrical jewels are here for you to see and enjoy. Come and celebrate with us. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. It would be remiss of me to not take this opportunity to thank our many funders, sponsors and donors that have been with us over the last ten years. We would not have achieved this much without you all. Thank you. I want you to do one thing for me right now. I want you to mark down, in whatever kind of date book you use, the date of February 10, 2010- 6pm. Mark it down, reserve it now so that you will be able to come to our 10th Anniversary Gala. Go ahead....I'll wait. Ok done? Excellent. We will have more information as we get closer but make sure you keep that date for Obsidian.
 Our first event of the season is Canonize This! It
was born out of the desire to create a forum in which playwrights and all theatre artists can reflect on and celebrate several of the most pivotal works to come out of the Black Canadian Theatre Canon in the last thirty years. Over three days, Oct. 21-23, 1-3pm Obsidian will host a Professional Development Series for Playwrights consisting of workshops lead by such noted professionals as: Erika Batdorf, Jules Bedeau, Nicolas Billon and Joanna Falck. In the evenings a selection of Canada’s freshest playwrights, including George Boyd, ahdri zina mandiela, Joseph Jomo Pierre, d’bi.young anitafrika, Andrew Moodie and Donna Michelle St. Bernard, will read excerpts from their own works. Space is limited, reserve now!
Introducing the 2009/10 MAP
Apprentices
This fall marks the MAP’s seventh cycle and we are very proud to have a fantastic, talented group of theatre makers on board. It is with the added support of the RBC Foundation and the Bennett Family Foundation that we have been able to increase the number of participants this year to five. And so, without further adieu we introduce to
you … Mercedes D’Almeida, Apprentice Director Mercedes is a graduate of York University's Theatre School and a former youth resident for Soulpepper Theatre Company, working both in the theatre and in education.
Nadine Grant, Apprentice Costume Designer Recently returned to Canada after receiving her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, Nadine is this year's recipient of USITT's Zelma H. Weisfeld Award for Costume Design. Her designs have been presented at Ming's Clambake in New York and the Young Designer's Showcase in LA.    
MAP Apprentices: Nadine Grant, Melanie Hague, Tanisha Taitt, Dwaine Mitchell & Mercedes D'Almeida (not pictured)
Melanie Hague, Apprentice Dramaturge A recent graduate of the theatre program at York University, where she focused her studies on Dramaturgy and New Play Development, Melanie is currently working on an MFA in Playwriting at York and is very excited and thankful to be a part of the Obsidian Apprentice group this season Dwaine Mitchell, Apprentice Producer He has the experience of producing many theatrical productions, talent shows, and fashion shows in the greater Toronto area. An accredited writer, director and producer, Dwaine is also founder and CEO of Life & Style Entertainment- a theatre company dedicated to uplifting and educating communities in the GTA. Tanisha Taitt, Apprentice Director An Honours graduate of Seneca College's Theatrical Performance program, Tanisha teaches Theatre to children and youth and has been at the helm of V-Day Toronto, producing and directing the official Worldwide Campaign productions of *The Vagina Monologues*, *A Memory A Monologue A Rant and A Prayer*, and *Any One Of Us: Words from Prison* since 2006. To learn more about what Obsidian can do for you go to www.obsidiantheatre.com and click Artist Centre.
Last but not least, you may have noticed that we have a new look. The website has been completely redesigned thanks to the dedication of Janine Evans, who so generously donated her time and expertise to this project. Looking forward to a memorable season with all of you, Philip, Harmony, Jordi and Dian
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