NS2022 She's Not Special Program

Presented by: HomeMadeIt Productions and Pressgang in association with Pandemic Theatre association with Pandemic Theatre

Photo by Graham Isador

SHE’S NOT SPECIAL

WELCOME TO THE 2022 NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL. We may have had to adjust our plans slightly but we still have many wonderful shows for you to experience.

It has been a long journey for these artists, whether experimenting with new online formats or suddenly recording a show in a venue, all of these companies have risen to the occasion and we are hoping that you, the audience, will not only support them but share their work with others.

Our image this year is that of the butterfly, our theme is returning and transforming. Part of that was about coming back into a physical theatre which alas is no longer possible but I believe the imagery and idea still stands. We are returning – we have a festival still, four pieces that were curated from the very beginning with a digital space in mind and several new pieces that had to quickly pivot into creating their shows for you online.

I could not be prouder of all that has been created both from our artists and the entire fringe team who have made this transformation happen.

All we ask from you is to join us, be an active part of the storytelling and this chapter of Next Stage and enjoy!

Happy Fringing,

Lucy Eveleigh Executive Director

December 30, 2021 Dear Next Stage Audience and Supporters, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this year’s Next Stage Theatre Festival hosted by Toronto Fringe. It gives me great joy that this year’s festival is hosted at Daniel Spectrum in our dynamic Regent Park community here in Toronto Centre. Many of the previously planned in-person productions were filmed in this incredible venue.

I know these past two years have been especially hard on our arts community. I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this festival as I know its important role in the creation of new Canadian works. The Toronto Fringe and Next Stage Theatre festival have been instrumental as part of the development of new Canadian plays including Kim’s Convenience, Da Kink in My Hair, and helped foster the talent of the co-creators of Come From Away. Not only does this festival foster Canadian stories, but it promotes and encourages residents to participate in their community at large; creates new connections with emerging artists, and contributes to our community.

For the 15th year, the Next Stage Theatre Festival features a great number of productions that showcase dynamic and innovative styles and formats. Even in the face of a global pandemic, you have been adaptable, flexible, and resilient. Your platform has provided the opportunity for indie theatre-makers to continue to develop their craft and showcase their talents making up an integral piece of the cultural fabric of Toronto.

Congratulations to everyone involved and I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable event.

Yours truly,

Kristyn Wong-Tam City Councillor Ward 13, Toronto Centre

Toronto Fringe would like to acknowledge that our office has been built on the traditional territory of Tkaronto, “the gathering place” - we acknowledge the original caretakers of this land, the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of Credit, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, and Wyndat nations.

To all the people of Turtle Island, Chi Miigwetch.

Fresh pixels.

www.hoffworks.com

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR AMAZING LOCAL VENDORS WHO HAD PLANNED TO FILL OUR LOUNGE IN DANIELS SPECTRUM.

SHE’S NOT SPECIAL Presented by HomeMadeIt Productions and Pressgang in association with Pandemic Theatre Created and performed by

Fatuma Adar

Co-directed by

Fatuma Adar and Graham Isador

Dramaturgy by

Graham Isador

Music supervision by Music Direction & Sound Design by

Ben Elliott Adrian Hogan

Videography by

Roya DelSol

Set and lighting design by

Joe Pagnan

Sound design by

Christopher Ross-Ewart

Stage manager

Lucy McPhee

Production manager

Deborah Lim

Assistant film director

Baakal Geleta

Production assistant Sound recordist Gaffer / grip swing Hair by

Avery Jean Brennan Amanda Ann-Min Wong Yann Garcia That Girl Lola

FATUMA ADAR (she/her) creator/performer/director - is a Somali artist based in Toronto. Her writing has been published in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and the anthology Black Writers Matter. She was listed in Playback Magazine’s 10 to Watch in 2020. Fatuma wrote a song called The Nap Anthem and comedian Bo Burnham said nice things about it. Follow her work @fatumaadar on IG & Twitter.

GRAHAM ISADOR (he/him) director/dramaturg - is a writer and director based in Toronto. His work has appeared at The Beaverton, GQ, and VICE, among other places. Called a “master storyteller” by Toronto Guardian, Isador is a director and producer for ONE Championship, who wrapped their first season on TNT late last year. His latest play, White Heat, won best performance text at the 2019 Summerworks Festival and has its international premiere in Berlin this March. @presgang BEN ELLIOTT (he/him) music supervisor - is an actor, musical director, musical supervisor and composer living in Vancouver, BC. This past fall, Ben was at Chicago Shakespeare musical supervising The Beatles version of As You Like It, next, he heads to Milwaukee Rep to do the same. www.benelliott.ca ADRIAN HOGAN (he/him) music director - is a platinum selling music producer, music director, keyboardist, and music educator from Toronto, Canada. He has worked with recording artists on stage and in studio spanning genres of Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Jazz and Neo-Soul. He has performed for the likes of Michael Jordan and Barack Obama, and at music festivals such as Rifflandia, Westward Music Festival, NXNE, and Osheaga.

ROYA DELSOL (she/her) videographer - is Black media artist & cultural worker currently living in T’karonto/Toronto. Creating motion work ranging from experimental documentaries to music videos; she aims for her work in all spheres to centre and uplift the experiences Black, queer, and marginalized peoples. Past photographic work captures Black femme intimacies, strength & joy in hopes of visualizing new, liberated worlds.

JOE PAGNAN (he/they) set and lighting designer - has created for companies touring North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. They’ve included collaborations with Buddies in Bad Times, Obsidian Theatre, Stratford Festival with colored lights, LemonTree Collective, Sampradaya Dance Creations, Globe Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Chemainus Theatre. More, or less, at joepagnan.ca

CHRISTOPHER ROSS-EWART (he/him) sound design consultant - is a sound designer, composer, and performer from Vancouver, Canada. He developed his practice at the MFA program in Sound Design at Yale School of Drama. Now working across the US, Canada, and the world, his experience ranges from performer to composer to designer, in theatre, musical theatre, dance, film, podcasts and installation.

LUCY MCPHEE (she/they) stage manager - is a queer Stage Manager, Producer, and Administrator based in Toronto. As a Stage Manager, Lucy has worked with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Nightwood Theatre, Musical Stage Company, and Mirvish, among others. They have worked on many shows at Toronto Fringe and the Next Stage Festival, and are very excited to be back with the festival.

DEBORAH LIM 林潔樂 (they/them) production manager - is a Singapore-born, California-raised, Toronto-based production manager, technician, and the general manager at fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company. Deb is also a second-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. AVERY JEAN BRENNAN (they/them) production assistant - is transfeminine producer, actor, musical director, writer, and transgender advocate raised in Kjipuktuk, and now based in Tkaronto. Avery Jean recently completed Generator’s Artist Producer Training program, and is currently the RBC Apprentice Artistic Director at The Musical Stage Company.

BAAKAL GELETA (he/him) assistant film director - Baakal Geleta is an emerging writer & director. He is a 2021 Nicholl Fellowship Semifinalist and ScreenCraft Fellowship Semifinalist with his screenplay ALASKA. His screenplay DIRT was chosen for the 2021 BloodList and is currently in the Launch Pad Top 10. His short DON’T BREATHE was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award - Thriller Short at the 2021 LA Film Festival Indie Short Fest.

AMANDA ANN-MIN WONG (she/they) sound recordist - is a sound artist, filmmaker, and musician. Notable credits include sound design on Canadian Screen Award-winning short PICK (2019), directed by Alicia K. Harris. In their free time, they love rocking out with their all-queer East Asian alt-rock band, cutsleeve.

THAT GIRL LOLA (she/her) hair stylist - admiring the neon pink box braid realness on our main character? Check out @thatgirllola_toronto on IG.

NOTES ON THE PLAY: She’s Not Special combines musical theatre and comedic storytelling to explore the pressures of Black Excellence. As a Black Muslim Woman (a triple threat!) Fatuma is on a mission to free you from the clutches of exceptionalism and teach you how to relish in the joys of mediocrity.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Tom Arthur Davis, Jiv Parasram, Andrea Scott, Makambe K Simamba, Emerjade Simms, Lali Mohamed and all those who donated to our GoFundMe for all your generous support.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FUNDERS FOR MAKING THIS SHOW POSSIBLE

LIKED THE SHOW? SPREAD THE WORD! Use the hashtags #ShesNotSpecial #TorontoFringe on social media, or idk, talk to someone IRL I guess.

SHE’S NOT SPECIAL

THE SUNGLASSES MONOLOGUE

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT

STORIES OF A DISH

TANGO IN THE DARK

THE COMPLEX

HEART OF A DOG

URSA: A FOLK MUSICAL

SAVING WONDERLAND

CHECK OUT THE FULL NEXT STAGE LINEUP AT

FRINGETORONTO.COM

TORONTO FRINGE OUR MANDATE The Toronto Fringe is a platform for everyone to access, discover, and experiment with the arts. By valuing creative experiences, we contribute to a healthy arts economy and, ultimately, a thriving society.

OUR VALUES Access – in every sense of the word Accountability – we work with integrity and respect Creativity – freedom of expression permeates everything we do Exploration – we let curiosity be our guide Support – empowering you to take a chance

OUR STAFF Executive Director Lucy Eveleigh Managing Director Laura Paduch Interim Marketing and Publicity Manager Damien Nelson Projects & Operations Manager Tessa Cernik Community Engagement Senior Coordinator Yuddha Maharaj Administrative Coordinator Suzanne Wilkie Administrative Assistant Neusa Kaculo Executive Management Intern* Isabela Solis-Lozano Digital Innovations Intern** Ellen Reade Next Stage Content Manager Carly Chamberlain Technical Director Caitlin Farley Digital Production Coordinator Brianna Unger Festival Lighting Coordinator Rachel Shaen Closed Caption Coordinator Hannah MacMillan Digital Patron Services Coordinator Marissa Orjalo Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Brooks Finance Coordinator Scratch Anderson Web Developer Tom Dearden Eventotron Developer Chris Perkin Brochure & Graphic Design Trajectory Brands Inc. *With Support from the Metcalf Foundation. **With Support from the City of Toronto, Economic Development and Culture

ARTSCAPE TORONTO Senior Manager - Event Operations Carla Ritchie Assistant Manager, Events Brittany Lynn Martin Technical Services Coordinator Tiffany Ledesma Hub Manager, Daniels Spectrum Farid Jalil Building Operator and Manager Cindy Smith Ada Slaight Hall Head Technician Maya Hall Technicians: Paul Bourgeois, Jason Lane, James McQuay, Christain Wallace

OUR BOARD President Jason Murray Vice President Nancy Madonik Treasurer Garth Sheriff Secretary Boyd Neil Directors Nicole Biros-Bolton, Cindy Gouveia, Sage Paul, Barry Peters, Steven Smits, Douglas Steiner, Kate Supleve, Denise Ruzage

2022 SELECTION COMMITTEE Lucy Eveleigh, Laura Paduch, Marjorie Chan, Derrick Chua, Leah-Simone Bowen

ARTIST ADVISORY Ophira Calof, Joan Jamieson, Rob Kempson, Amy Lee, Ashley Perez, Miquelon Rodriguez, Andrew Seok, Kevin Vidal

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS Anne Fleming, Tassja Graf, Dave Mashinter, Eric Mandelker, Melinda Silman

CONNECT WITH TORONTO FRINGE AND NEXT STAGE /torontofringe

@Toronto_Fringe @toronto_fringe fringetoronto.com

Fol conv low the #Ne ersation xt a and Stage20 t #Fri 2 ngeT 2 O

NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS Reconnect Festival and Event Program: Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation An agency of the Government of Ontario.

Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Our friends and family, the board of directors, our donors, sponsors and volunteers. Claire Wynveen, TAPA, Marjorie Chan, Leah Simone Bowen, Derrick Chua, Ryan Kraft, Lindsey Cassell, Gaitrie Persaud, Henry Mak, Joanna Campbell, and Blair Francey.

Support local and get into the Fringe spirit with Fringe merch for yourself and all your friends! All merch proceeds go towards the operations of the Toronto Fringe, helping us keep the lights on and continue supporting indie artists. Visit fringetoronto.com/merch to find all our available options!

FRINGE T.O. TOQUE $25 Show your Fringe pride in a most Canadian way and be warm and cool all at the same time. Available in black (with white logo) & sunset gold (with black logo).

ZOOM SWEATSHIRT $45 Stay cozy in this black, crewneck sweatshirt with “SORRY I MISSED YOUR ZOOM SHOW” written across the chest, and the Toronto Fringe logo on the back.

FRINGE MASK $12 Keep yourself and others safe with our 3 layers of cotton with a nose wire, adjustable ear loops, and a pocket to comfortably fit a filter.

$7 delivery within the City of Toronto, $15 shipping to Canada, and $20 shipping to the US (overage charges might apply depending on weight and number of items).

Questions? Email Tessa at operations@fringetoronto.com.

MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Our donors believe wholeheartedly in the relentless pursuit of self-expression. We thank our community of supporters, partners, volunteers, and artists who are paving the way for a new decade of innovation at the Toronto Fringe.

LEGACY DONORS $10,000+ Raymond Michael Ferris VISIONARIES CIRCLE VISIONARIES $5,000–9,999 Anonymous Neville Austin Keith Alessi Gideon Arthurs & Erin Shields Doug Steiner & Jasmine Herlt Cindy Blakely in honour of Ashley Botting LUMINARIES $1,000–2,499 Harry Arthurs Efrim Boritz Doug Ewart & Judith Keene Margaret McCain Jason Murray Barry Peters Robert Sherrin INNOVATORS $500–999 Cindy Gouveia Shelley Hobbs & Joan Jamieson Laurie Hutchinson Nancy Konopinsky Wendy MacKeigan Charlotte Ryan Kate Supleve Michelle Tocher Steven Smits Boyd Neil Chun Chang Robert Duchnicky Randy Hesp CREATORS $250–499 Brenda Blake & Arleigh Crawford Derrick Chua Cherie Daitchman Elizabeth Howson Andrew Johnston Birthe Jorgensen Ilana Lucas Robert McGregor

Susan Moellers Eleanor & Terry O’Connor Christopher Oldfield Kelly Straughan Sandra Fleischer Darlene Varaleau Anne Fleming Sebastiano & Angelina Pizzirusso DESIGNERS $125-249 Ben Bain Gail Cooper Christopher Diehl Sam Festino John Gazey Richard Gotlib Anonymous Sania Hameed Susan Hammond Ruth Hull Clark Johnson Christine Laughlen Steven Lico Allen MacInnis Michael Marshall Sam Mooney Eddy Morassutti Lesley Nicholls Milton O’Brodovich Eric Robinson N Shaffeeullah Steven Shrybman Matthew Yanchyshyn Rysia Andrade Michael Atlin Merle Garbe Donna Hutchins Martin Koven Lisa Lambert Dave Pelletier Maurianne Reade Maureen Simpson Cheryl Zinyk Teaghan Young Anonymous Helen Armstrong Andra Bradish

Celia Harte Brent Vickar Anne Christie Miriam Diamond Sholem Dolgoy Barbara Fingerote Stagepage Ltd FRIENDS $25-124 Blaine Adams Geoffrey Allen Kanika Ambrose Susan Anderson Mark Andrews Kae Bagg Dillon Baldassero Doug Balfour Janaki Banting Merriam Barbara Brian Barber Barbara Barrett Bruce Bartlett Cara Baum Graysanne Bedell Robert Beerman Andrea Berntson Cory Bertrand Catherine Biggs Nicolas Billon Jordan Bimm Tim Blair Andrew Bland Paula Blitstein Jodi Block Ryan Bobkin Junyan Boon Joseph Borowiec Aimee Bouchard Sean and Sue Boyce Kendra Boyles Anne Bradford Dianne Bradley Sandra Brewster Minna Brighton Donatucci Jane Brisebois Catherine Bruce John Buchan Claire Burns Diane Campbell John Stuart Campbell Ross Chafe Rachit Chakerwarti Amy CharlesChiu Tracey Chin Darlene Chrissley Laura Chuang

Catherine Clarke Melissa Clarke louise cochrane enrico colantoni Fides Coloma Paulina Corpuz Helen Courssaris Joy Coxworth Elizabeth Crowe-Joong Rita Czarny Alex Dallas O. Daly Todd Davies Rahul Deb Lynda Delgrande Duncan Derry Geoff Dewar Evander Dewar Ritu Dhupar Leah Dietrich James Dobos scott dobson Jeffrey Paul Dore Caroline Duncanson Karen Dunk-Green Alex Eddington Matthew Edison Andrew Edwards Penny Eizenga Anne Elliott John English Tova Epp Jennifer Evola Sophia Fabiilli Lawrence Fagan Joyce Feinberg Sheryl Ferguson Peter Fishback Steve Fisher Patty Fleming Brian Flett Dana Francoz Martin Friedland - In memory of our friend Penny Arthurs Jayne Funamoto Adrian Gaffiero Matt Gawler Jonathan Goldsbie Samantha Gough Ruth Gould Stephanie Graham Doreen Green Lauren Greenwood Paula Grgurich Shewchuk Xinhe Gu Barbara Haber

Frazer Hadwin Huma Haider Carolyn Hallett Patricia Harquail Ben Harrison Thomas Hauff Craig Heron Lynda Hill Lorraine Hill Michol Hoffman Jill Hollingsworth Suzanne Honsl Mary Hope Christine Horne Victoria Howlett Robyn Hughes Kim Hume Asad Hussain Pam Hyatt Christine Ilott Ingrid Inniss Afful Patricia Jackson Steven Jackson Kathleen James Brian Jansen Emily Jeffers Shreya Jha Abigail Johnson Robert Johnston Roxanne Joseph Romina Julian Stephanie Jung Yousef Kadoura Dana Kandalaft Howard Kaplan Nancy Kellett Barbara Kelly Rob Kempson Mary Killoran Ken King Gordon Phillip King Paula Klein Cathy Kontogianis Dena Krieger Connie Kuan Theresa Kusch Johnson Lai Wyatt Lamoureux June A Larkin Lynda Leathley Michael LeBlanc Jeff Legacy Jill Leger Anonymous Jeannine Lewis Karen Lewis

Shirley Ley Amanda Lince Cheryl Litwack Hung-Tat Lo Jeanne Lovsted Nakeela Lum Wai Isaac Luy Cynthia Lynch Tammy Mann Janet Manzo Lena Maripuu Stan Markiewicz Sid Markowski Karena Massengill Annie Massey Andrew Maykut Laura McCallum Terri McDonnell Hope McIntyre Ashley McKague Dave McKay Cate McKim Andrea McPhee Grace McSorley Julie Mee Tushar Mehta Erin Metzler Ann Meyer Wendy Miller Joanna Mills Kate Milner Susan Moellers Norm Mohamid Ginette Mohr Lynn Moore Shelby Mwambu Trishin Naidu Karen Nair Eden Nameri Paul Nash Hanna Nes June Nicholson Ryan Novosielski Larisa Orlov Angela Ottolino

Candace Palumbo Louise Parkes Judy Payne Barry Peters Vida Petrasiunas Isabelle Philipps MK Piatkowski Marina Plett-Lyle Chase Potter Marina Preman Naomi Priddle Hunter Nisheeth Proshanti Genevieve Proulx Phillip Psutka Judy Rapkin Kelly Read Julie Reitzel Norman Reynolds Nicholas Rice Josephine Ridge Andrea Risk Rachel Robbins Diane Roblin Roger Rolfe Christina Romualdo Raphael Roter Barbara Rotschild Cyn Rozeboom Ronit Rubinstein Ian Rutherford Will Santillo Mike Saver Nitin Sawant Joan and Paul Sayer Karen Scora Jim Scott Matthew Segal Natalie Semotiuk Lucy Shenouda Phillip Silver Gene Simon Carol Slama Jon Slock Jon Slock David Slonosky

Elaine Smith Barbara Snelgrove Alex Stairs Alexa Stavro Eve-Lynn Stein Kenny Streule Linda Sullivan Renata Szczypek William Tallon Suzy Tanzer Will Taylor Natalia Tcherniak Doug Tindal Mary Ann Trainor Sandi Trillo Frank Trotz Mary Upper Nicolette Vallandigham Judith van Bastelaar Lauren Vandervoort Patrizia Varrasso Jennifer Vieno Alishah Virji Sage Walker Scott Walker Donna Walsh Meghan Warby Jessica Wawoe Katherine Welsh Scott White Sunny Widerman Paula Wilkie Katherine Wilson Anthony Wilson Eric Emin Wood Ian Worling Susan Worthington Barry Wright Anna Wynveen Tim Wynveen Susan Yee Thomas Yeung Marie Yeung John Yoshida Hersh Zeifman

Thank you to all our incredible donors who make our work, and the work of independent artists possible! If you would like to support The Toronto Fringe, you can visit: fringetoronto.com/get-involved/donate or email our Executive Director to find out more information at lucy@fringetoronto.com.

All donations of $25+ receive a tax receipt and various Fringe benefits.

The above list includes gifts of $25+ between December 2020 and Jan 14, 2022.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL THE NEXT STAGE PRODUCTIONS VISIT FRINGETORONTO.COM