dance Immersion is thrilled to present the Toronto Premiere of this incredibly moving one-woman show by Shayna Jones of B.C., produced by Pi Theatre. Black & Rural incorporates spoken word, movement, and music to create an essential theatre experience that gives voice to rural Canadians of the African Diaspora. 

Black & Rural is an artistic inquiry into the hearts and minds of Black folks tucked away on Canada’s countryside. Project lead, Shayna Jones, aims to seek out, honour, and showcase stories from rurally based Blacks (like herself) to nuance and challenge the monolith of what matters to Black Lives. Created and performed by Shayna Jones and produced by Pi Theatre, Black & Rural weaves spoken word, movement, music, and verbatim theatre together in a spellbinding performance that is resonating across the country. www.blackandrural.com

Shayna Jones (she/her) is an award winning actor, a playwright, a folklorist, and a multi-disciplinary spoken word artist specializing in the traditional oral storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic lore. As a professionally trained performer, vocalist, and fine mover, Shayna has crafted performances for countless audiences across Canada featuring Afro-centric Folk History, Folklore and Contemporary Experience. Learn more about Shayna and her work at: www.wearestoryfolk.com 

ADVISORY INFORMATION: Black & Rural is drawn from the true stories of Black Canadians, and explores their lived experiences with frankness and grace. This show features strong language. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to info@pitheatre.com.

BLACK & RURAL CREDITS

Written, performed, and created by Shayna Jones

Featuring voice-over performances by Tom Pickett, Omari Newton, Kwasi Thomas, Giselle Carke-Trenaman, Ivy Charles, Britney Buren, and Mariam Barry ‍

Directed by Richard Wolfe

Tour Manager: Kayleigh Sandomirsky

Stage Manager: Maria Zarrillo

Producer: Libby Willoughby

Lighting Design: Brad Trenaman

Associate Lighting Designer: Victoria Bell

Set Design & Costume Consultant: Cecilia Vadala

Sound Design & Composition: Rufus Cappadocia

Movement Director: Amber Barton

Dramaturg: Angela Konrad