11:11 by Samson Bonkeabantu Brown
A Theatre Passe Muraille digital production
February 10 – 13, 2021
TORONTO, ON— Theatre Passe Muraille (TPM)’s long awaited first 20.21 season production will be streamed digitally. 11:11, is a bio-mythical monodrama by Sangoma and Multidisciplinary Artist Samson Bonkeabantu Brown
Presented in a world unapologetically crafted, the show explores the other side of fear through the eyes of a young, Black transman struggling to understand the ancestral messages saturating his dreams. Through his multidisciplinary artistry, Brown offers intersections of spirituality, movement and transnational storytelling in his first play, 11:11.
Also a practicing Sangoma, Brown is one of the city’s most promising artists. His primary focus is on spiritual healing, ancestral veneration and trans advocacy in the arts. 11:11 received critical acclaim when a workshop production was presented as part of Why Not Theatre’s RISER project in 2019 directed and dramaturged d’bi.young anitafrika.
“My artistic process is perhaps a bit different from other playwrights because everything is guided by amadlozi (my ancestors). I can’t force the words because I am just the vessel. If my ancestors don’t have a story to tell, then there is no story for me to write. When my ancestors let me know that they have a story to tell, I get comfortable and I listen. Then they proceed to give me the story that I am tasked with telling. The elements of the story — lyrics, movement, text, set and even costume design– are given to me in various formats and at various times. My artistic process mimics my relationship with amadlozi, in that, it is reciprocal.”
~Samson Bonkeabantu Brown | Playwright & Performer, 11:11
The 2021 TPM premiere production of 11:11 will be directed by multidisciplinary artist Tsholovisions Khalema. He was born in the midst of apartheid in South Africa and grew up in the westernmost prairie provinces of Canada, where he began his lifelong pursuit of learning the art of theatre and storytelling. Khalema aims to enhance the Black and Transgender voice(s) showing the many different diverse intersectionality of blackness in his work.
11:11 will have 4 digital streams – one of which will be a Black Out night where TPM reserves a performance exclusively for Black audiences to enjoy. Each performances will have a 30-minute post-show discussion with the artists. All performance in the run will be Digital Relaxed Performances and Closed Captioning will be provided.
For full credits, artist bio and further information, please visit the show page here.
Photo Credit | Peter Riddihough,
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at passemuraille.ca. TPM’s Pay-What-You-Can-Afford (PWYCA) model offers single tickets at different price points. The ticket prices this season are: $5, $25, and $50. All tickets are the same. In order to remove barriers in our pricing, we are offering three price points so that a wide range of audiences are able to attend our 20.21 Season. We encourage audiences to make their own choices about what they can afford in order to experience theatre. Those purchasing at the $50 price point will do so with the understanding that their ticket price is helping to subsidize the $5 ticket price, and in doing so, making theatre more accessible for others.
Covid-19 Protocols
We are operating with the utmost caution and with the best health and safety knowledge we currently have in order to bring theatre to our audiences. We have a set of safety protocols based on Public Health guidelines, which are informing our capacity and ability to have artists safely in our space to bring you digital work in your homes. Safety measures and health protocols, including masks, social distancing, and sanitation measures, are fully in effect and updated as precautions for COVID-19 evolve and change. Please see our website or contact us for details.
Accessibility
All performance in the run will be Relaxed Performances and Captions will be available.
Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome audience members and their families who could benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those who are neurodiverse and Autistic patrons. The digital set-up includes: access to a visual story for the play which includes clear instructions on accessing the performance link, a pre-show introduction to the actors/characters, the ability to access the performance for 36 hours after the performance, a digital Front of House Manager to provide answers to any questions via phone, email, or in the chat. A zoom meeting after the show where you can talk with an active listener.
Captions will be available at the bottom of the screen for audience members who are Deaf or hard of hearing providing the audio in text form on all performances.
About Black Out Night
February 12 is a BLACK OUT performance. The spirit behind this evening is to provide a space for Black theatre-goers to experience a show for them, by them. The BLACK OUT event also facilitates a safe environment for a personal and intimate discussion on the work made and performed by Black artists. We are committed to continue offering BLACK OUT performances for all Black playwrights and artists in future seasons.
We thank everyone in advance for supporting these artists and TPM as we facilitate an opportunity for a community to celebrate and enjoy a performance made for Black audiences.
The Prelude
On February 6th at 4:00pm, TPM will host a thought-provoking conversation on spirituality and artistry with Dora-nominated artist Nicole Brooks. Nicole is a playwright, director, performer, and Sangoma, and the creator of the hit show OBEAH OPERA. In conversation with TPM Associate Artistic Director Indrit Kasapi, she will discuss her unique multidisciplinary practice and how her art honours her ancestral journey. This free digital Prelude event take place live over Zoom on February 6th at 4:00 PM.
Otter Live Captions for Zoom will be available for this event. Otter Live Captions for Zoom adds AI closed captioning in real-time for Zoom meetings and webinars. Meeting participants can click a button at the top of the zoom meeting and sign up for a free Otter AI account (an email and password will be required) to see live captions directly via their Zoom window. RSVP by email at info@passemuraille.on.ca
About TPM
Founded in 1968, TPM is Canada’s original alternative theatre company, currently developing and producing new Canadian plays. TPM is striving to articulate a distinct Canadian voice that reflects the complexity of our intercultural society. TPM believes there should be a more diverse representation of artists, audience members, and stories in our theatre. TPM aspires to be a leader locally, nationally and internationally in establishing, promoting, and embracing collaborative and inclusive theatre practices. We do this so that we can support and ignite the voices of unique artists, communities and audiences.
Media Contact
Emily Jung | Interim Marketing & Communications Manager | e: emilyj@passemuraille.on.ca | p: 416-504-8988 ext. 2172
www.passemuraille.ca|Instagram & Twitter @beyondwallsTPM | Facebook
Season Sponsor:
TD Bank Group
Upcoming show
Speculation by Leslie Ting, a Theatre Passe Muraille and Leslie Ting Co-Production in partnership with NUMUS
March 3-6, 7:30pm
In Speculation, Leslie Ting, a former optometrist and now a professional violinist, presents a re-imagining of this theatrical concert, taking the audience through witnessing her mother’s loss of vision, and eventual passing. Created through projections and music from both Beethoven & John Cage, this new online experience features experimental film and a collective performance of Cage’s 4’33”.
