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CREATORS
David Jansen (he/him)
Course Instructor/Supervising Professor
David is an actor, director, educator, and father.
As an actor over the last thirty years, he has performed leading and supporting roles in theatres throughout Canada and the U.K., including Canadian Stage, Tarragon, Mirvish Productions, Soulpepper, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Citadel, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and a season with The Peter Hall Company (UK).
As a director he recently directed Tabia Lau’s The Antigone Play and Aaron Jan’s HAGS, two plays commissioned for online performance by York University. He also adapted and directed The Oresteia at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, and staged The Witch of Edmonton, The Duchess of Malfi, and The Tamer Tamed at George Brown Theatre School. Other directing credits include Tuesdays with Morrie at Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Plough and the Stars and Attempts on her Life (with Jennifer Tarver) at Ryerson, Betrayal for BeMe Theatre in Munich, and Kaspar and the Sea of Houses (with Birgit Schreyer-Duarte) for Summerworks, winning that Festival’s award for Outstanding Production in 2011. For the Tarragon’s 2015-2016 season, he was also Interim Literary Coordinator and Interim Assistant Artistic Director. He has designed and taught courses in acting at all the schools mentioned above.
David is also proud of his work with The Wrecking Ball, a Toronto political cabaret series.
Currently he is an assistant professor at York University where he teaches devised theatre practice as well as graduate courses in performance studies.
Most of all, he’s a proud dad of Nora!
David is an actor, director, educator, and father.
As an actor over the last thirty years, he has performed leading and supporting roles in theatres throughout Canada and the U.K., including Canadian Stage, Tarragon, Mirvish Productions, Soulpepper, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Citadel, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and a season with The Peter Hall Company (UK).
As a director he recently directed Tabia Lau’s The Antigone Play and Aaron Jan’s HAGS, two plays commissioned for online performance by York University. He also adapted and directed The Oresteia at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, and staged The Witch of Edmonton, The Duchess of Malfi, and The Tamer Tamed at George Brown Theatre School. Other directing credits include Tuesdays with Morrie at Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Plough and the Stars and Attempts on her Life (with Jennifer Tarver) at Ryerson, Betrayal for BeMe Theatre in Munich, and Kaspar and the Sea of Houses (with Birgit Schreyer-Duarte) for Summerworks, winning that Festival’s award for Outstanding Production in 2011. For the Tarragon’s 2015-2016 season, he was also Interim Literary Coordinator and Interim Assistant Artistic Director. He has designed and taught courses in acting at all the schools mentioned above.
David is also proud of his work with The Wrecking Ball, a Toronto political cabaret series.
Currently he is an assistant professor at York University where he teaches devised theatre practice as well as graduate courses in performance studies.
Most of all, he’s a proud dad of Nora!
Becky Ablack (she/her)
Cicadian - Fruits of Labour
Becky Ablack is in her fourth year at York University, studying Theatre and Creative Writing. She has a particular interest in exploring performance, directing, and writing. Becky has been a part of York University’s playGround festival in shows such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers’”(Co-Creator/Co-Director), and “The Strangers at Motel Seven” (Performer). More recently, Becky has been exploring sound design and has worked on Past Lives Productions’ 5290 Festival as a Co-Sound Designer. She also works in Film and TV and has appeared in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia and ITV’s Good Karma Hospital.
Becky is excited and incredibly grateful to be working with the Cicadian team to share “Fruits of Labour”.
Becky Ablack is in her fourth year at York University, studying Theatre and Creative Writing. She has a particular interest in exploring performance, directing, and writing. Becky has been a part of York University’s playGround festival in shows such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers’”(Co-Creator/Co-Director), and “The Strangers at Motel Seven” (Performer). More recently, Becky has been exploring sound design and has worked on Past Lives Productions’ 5290 Festival as a Co-Sound Designer. She also works in Film and TV and has appeared in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia and ITV’s Good Karma Hospital.
Becky is excited and incredibly grateful to be working with the Cicadian team to share “Fruits of Labour”.
Yasmine Amirkhani (she/her)
The Great Escape Co. - The Tabella
Yasmine Amirkhani is a Persian-Canadian performer and artist based in Toronto, receiving her BFA this year from York University’s Devised Theatre program. Yasmine has a strong passion for performing, but has also found a passion for multiple areas of theatre such as playwriting, designing, and directing. Her previous work includes PlayGround Festival’s good morning (2022), CanadianStage’s nowhen (2021), ThreeUp’s collaboration with Young People’s Theatre (2021), and The Vagina Monologues (2020). Yasmine is excited to be part of this year’s DT Festival, and can’t wait to present the show that herself and her company have worked so hard on.
Yasmine Amirkhani is a Persian-Canadian performer and artist based in Toronto, receiving her BFA this year from York University’s Devised Theatre program. Yasmine has a strong passion for performing, but has also found a passion for multiple areas of theatre such as playwriting, designing, and directing. Her previous work includes PlayGround Festival’s good morning (2022), CanadianStage’s nowhen (2021), ThreeUp’s collaboration with Young People’s Theatre (2021), and The Vagina Monologues (2020). Yasmine is excited to be part of this year’s DT Festival, and can’t wait to present the show that herself and her company have worked so hard on.
Brie Bennett (she/her)
FOURTIFY - Apophenic Undayra
Brie Bennett is an actor and creator who has been performing in the arts since a young age. She has performed in many plays, such as Swallow this Skin (2020) by Unhushed Collective, performed in Toronto Fringe Festival, and in the upcoming film Social Disobedience by IFILMGROUP and m&s MARSHALL PRODUCTIONS (2021).
Brie studies Theatre at York University, specializing in Devised Theatre, and Gender and Women’s Studies. She has worked with many mentors throughout the years and would not be where she is without their guidance.
Brie would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support of her blooming career. And especially her now passed friend Kayla, for always reminding her of how proud she was of Brie, and her constant support to get her to this moment. She carries those words close to her heart, and forever will.
She would also like to thank her class and castmates for the past three years. For your laughter, support and sharing your creativity. Thank you, and remember: please reset the space to neutral when you are finished.
Brie Bennett is an actor and creator who has been performing in the arts since a young age. She has performed in many plays, such as Swallow this Skin (2020) by Unhushed Collective, performed in Toronto Fringe Festival, and in the upcoming film Social Disobedience by IFILMGROUP and m&s MARSHALL PRODUCTIONS (2021).
Brie studies Theatre at York University, specializing in Devised Theatre, and Gender and Women’s Studies. She has worked with many mentors throughout the years and would not be where she is without their guidance.
Brie would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support of her blooming career. And especially her now passed friend Kayla, for always reminding her of how proud she was of Brie, and her constant support to get her to this moment. She carries those words close to her heart, and forever will.
She would also like to thank her class and castmates for the past three years. For your laughter, support and sharing your creativity. Thank you, and remember: please reset the space to neutral when you are finished.
David Čivčić (he/him)
Cicadian - Fruits Of Labour
David Čivčić (he/him) is a Balkan-born multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into performativity, theatricality and queerness. Currently in his fourth year at York University, David's education intensively focuses upon performance creation, devised theatre and sexuality studies. After appearing in the playGround Festival production of Let’s Have an Orgy (Performer) in 2019, he has gone on to work on Our Mothers’ and Fathers’ (Co-Writer/Co-Director/Costume Designer) and finalgurlz_ (Assistant Stage Manager). Through the Ada Slaight YouthLink program with Soulpepper, David became involved with the Queer and Trans Youth Theatre 2019 summer project and subsequent QT Collective (Writer/Performer) showing. In 2021, David worked on hybrid online play/short film Mother’s Daughter (Co-Sound Designer), which premiered in Past Lives Productions’ 5290 Festival.
David is ecstatic for audiences to experience Cicadian’s Fruits of Labour, and would like to thank his fellow devisers and creatives.
David Čivčić (he/him) is a Balkan-born multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into performativity, theatricality and queerness. Currently in his fourth year at York University, David's education intensively focuses upon performance creation, devised theatre and sexuality studies. After appearing in the playGround Festival production of Let’s Have an Orgy (Performer) in 2019, he has gone on to work on Our Mothers’ and Fathers’ (Co-Writer/Co-Director/Costume Designer) and finalgurlz_ (Assistant Stage Manager). Through the Ada Slaight YouthLink program with Soulpepper, David became involved with the Queer and Trans Youth Theatre 2019 summer project and subsequent QT Collective (Writer/Performer) showing. In 2021, David worked on hybrid online play/short film Mother’s Daughter (Co-Sound Designer), which premiered in Past Lives Productions’ 5290 Festival.
David is ecstatic for audiences to experience Cicadian’s Fruits of Labour, and would like to thank his fellow devisers and creatives.
Tyra Correa (she/her)
FOURTIFY - Apophenic Undayra
Tyra Correa is an actor, creator and performer originally from Karachi, Pakistan now based in Toronto. She is in her fourth year here at York University, specializing in Devised Theatre. She has been performing from the age of three and views the stage as a second home to her multitude of creative visions. Tyra draws a lot of inspiration from her South-Asian culture and its traditions and is primarily focused on centering IBPOC voices within the stories she tells. She is extremely thrilled to be playing Isabella in FOURtify Theatre Company's Production of Apophenic Undayra and hopes to show the world the variety of perspectives within theatre making as a creative process.
Tyra wants to thank her grandfather for being her biggest inspiration and her family for always believing in her, and pushing her to pursue her passions.
Words she lives by: "Brown Women are the Future."
Tyra Correa is an actor, creator and performer originally from Karachi, Pakistan now based in Toronto. She is in her fourth year here at York University, specializing in Devised Theatre. She has been performing from the age of three and views the stage as a second home to her multitude of creative visions. Tyra draws a lot of inspiration from her South-Asian culture and its traditions and is primarily focused on centering IBPOC voices within the stories she tells. She is extremely thrilled to be playing Isabella in FOURtify Theatre Company's Production of Apophenic Undayra and hopes to show the world the variety of perspectives within theatre making as a creative process.
Tyra wants to thank her grandfather for being her biggest inspiration and her family for always believing in her, and pushing her to pursue her passions.
Words she lives by: "Brown Women are the Future."
Matteo Da Costa (he/him)
Nova - Project 37
Matteo is ecstatic to get to be working on this year's Devised Theatre Festival. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform and costume design for 'Project 37', since those are two aspects of theatre that he has been passionate about for the past 4 years. His work ranges from acting in festivals such as Playground, to set building and costume designing for many student films at York University. He is super thankful to his classmates for making the last 4 years so memorable and inspiring.
Matteo is ecstatic to get to be working on this year's Devised Theatre Festival. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform and costume design for 'Project 37', since those are two aspects of theatre that he has been passionate about for the past 4 years. His work ranges from acting in festivals such as Playground, to set building and costume designing for many student films at York University. He is super thankful to his classmates for making the last 4 years so memorable and inspiring.
Lizzy Evagelacopoulos (she/her)
The Great Escape Co. - The Tabella
Lizzy Evagelacopoulos is an actor based in Toronto. She is in her fourth and final year at York University getting her BFA. Lizzy has been on stage since the age of seven growing up as a competitive dancer and a musical theatre performer. Some of her onstage credits have included In The Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Concord Floral, and York University’s playGround Festival.
Lizzy is very excited to perform alongside her friends in The Tabella and she hopes you have as much fun watching and she has had creating and performing it.
Lizzy Evagelacopoulos is an actor based in Toronto. She is in her fourth and final year at York University getting her BFA. Lizzy has been on stage since the age of seven growing up as a competitive dancer and a musical theatre performer. Some of her onstage credits have included In The Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Concord Floral, and York University’s playGround Festival.
Lizzy is very excited to perform alongside her friends in The Tabella and she hopes you have as much fun watching and she has had creating and performing it.
Jan Gerl-Korenc (he/him)
FOURTIFY - Apophenic Undayra
Jan Gerl-Korenc is an artist from Slovenia, currently based in Toronto, Ontario. He is a part of the fourth-year Devised Theatre program, hosting this year’s Devised Theatre Festival. In the past, Jan has worked as an actor/deviser in film and theatre productions in Slovenia and Canada. He is very happy and honored to be a member of FOURTIFY theatre company, sharing the stage with such amazing and talented people. Jan is super excited for everyone to see their upcoming show Apophenic Undayra.
Jan Gerl-Korenc is an artist from Slovenia, currently based in Toronto, Ontario. He is a part of the fourth-year Devised Theatre program, hosting this year’s Devised Theatre Festival. In the past, Jan has worked as an actor/deviser in film and theatre productions in Slovenia and Canada. He is very happy and honored to be a member of FOURTIFY theatre company, sharing the stage with such amazing and talented people. Jan is super excited for everyone to see their upcoming show Apophenic Undayra.
Kaitlin Hicks (she/her)
Nova - Project 37
Kaitlin Hicks is thrilled to be a deviser in this years Devised Theatre Festival. She is currently completing her fourth year at York University. She has appeared in other shows at the university, such as Bitch Sessions, Strangers at Motel Seven, and The Vagina Monologues. Some of her favourite roles played include Shelby in Steel Magnolias, the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and Clarice in West Side Story. Kaitlin is very grateful for this wonderful opportunity and thanks Nova Theatre Co. and her classmates for making it so thrilling to create.
Kaitlin Hicks is thrilled to be a deviser in this years Devised Theatre Festival. She is currently completing her fourth year at York University. She has appeared in other shows at the university, such as Bitch Sessions, Strangers at Motel Seven, and The Vagina Monologues. Some of her favourite roles played include Shelby in Steel Magnolias, the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and Clarice in West Side Story. Kaitlin is very grateful for this wonderful opportunity and thanks Nova Theatre Co. and her classmates for making it so thrilling to create.
Megan Keatings (she/her)
Production Manager
Megan Keatings (She/Her) is an actor and theatre creator in her fourth year at York University, studying under the Devised Theatre Stream. She is extremely excited to be working as the Production Manager for York University’s 2022 Devised Theatre Festival, as this is the first time she has assumed a role like this! Megan has previously worked as an actor and writer throughout her time at York, helping to develop numerous shows within the devised theatre program. She also has a lot of experience working with high school students, helping to produce a student-written musical, Out of Sync (2021) at Richmond Green Secondary School. Megan would like to thank the faculty in York’s Theatre Department; especially David Jansen, Ian Garett and Christina Cicko, for their continuous support throughout the development of the festival and for giving her this opportunity. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. She is honored to have been able to work alongside Isabella Liscio, and each of the theatre companies involved in this year’s festival. She is so excited to see each show premier, and hopes that you enjoy the festival!
Megan Keatings (She/Her) is an actor and theatre creator in her fourth year at York University, studying under the Devised Theatre Stream. She is extremely excited to be working as the Production Manager for York University’s 2022 Devised Theatre Festival, as this is the first time she has assumed a role like this! Megan has previously worked as an actor and writer throughout her time at York, helping to develop numerous shows within the devised theatre program. She also has a lot of experience working with high school students, helping to produce a student-written musical, Out of Sync (2021) at Richmond Green Secondary School. Megan would like to thank the faculty in York’s Theatre Department; especially David Jansen, Ian Garett and Christina Cicko, for their continuous support throughout the development of the festival and for giving her this opportunity. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. She is honored to have been able to work alongside Isabella Liscio, and each of the theatre companies involved in this year’s festival. She is so excited to see each show premier, and hopes that you enjoy the festival!
Rehaan Lachporia (he/him)
Nova - Project 37
Rehaan is in his final year of the devised theatre stream and stoked to be in this years Devised Theatre Festival. He has worked in the Toronto Fringe Festival performing in "True North Mixtape" and "One Small Step, as well as the Playground Festival in "Post-Pracki" and various student films during his theatre career. Rehaan would like to thank Tatyana Baptiste because she said to do so.
Rehaan is in his final year of the devised theatre stream and stoked to be in this years Devised Theatre Festival. He has worked in the Toronto Fringe Festival performing in "True North Mixtape" and "One Small Step, as well as the Playground Festival in "Post-Pracki" and various student films during his theatre career. Rehaan would like to thank Tatyana Baptiste because she said to do so.
Zoe Marin (she/her)
Cicadian - Fruits Of Labour
Zoe Marin (she/her) is an emerging director/writer/performer in her final year of studying Theatre at York University. She has been involved with the York University playGround Festival with pieces such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers”(Co-Writer/Co-Director), “WET” (Performer/ Contributing Writer), “f1nalgurlz_” (Writer/Director), and most recently, “REVAMPED” (Writer/ Director). At York, she was also an assistant director for the recent production of “The Late Wedding”. In 2021, she was involved with the Toronto Fringe Festival as an actor and contributing writer for “Swallow This Skin”. Her previous sound editing credits include: “digging for sunshine” (The 5290 Festival), “in the woods somewhere” (Audio Theatrica), and “95A” (York University playGround Festival).
Her upcoming work includes this year’s V-Day @ York devised production (Director) and Theatre Passe Murrae’s “1184” (Assistant Director). As Zoe enters her final year of studying devised theatre, she is excited to finally get to create a show like “Fruits of Labour” with her fellow group members.
Zoe Marin (she/her) is an emerging director/writer/performer in her final year of studying Theatre at York University. She has been involved with the York University playGround Festival with pieces such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers”(Co-Writer/Co-Director), “WET” (Performer/ Contributing Writer), “f1nalgurlz_” (Writer/Director), and most recently, “REVAMPED” (Writer/ Director). At York, she was also an assistant director for the recent production of “The Late Wedding”. In 2021, she was involved with the Toronto Fringe Festival as an actor and contributing writer for “Swallow This Skin”. Her previous sound editing credits include: “digging for sunshine” (The 5290 Festival), “in the woods somewhere” (Audio Theatrica), and “95A” (York University playGround Festival).
Her upcoming work includes this year’s V-Day @ York devised production (Director) and Theatre Passe Murrae’s “1184” (Assistant Director). As Zoe enters her final year of studying devised theatre, she is excited to finally get to create a show like “Fruits of Labour” with her fellow group members.
Ryan McGarvey (he/they)
The Great Escape Co. - The Tabella
Ryan has always enjoyed marrying his love of performing with his crafty side behind the scenes, making devised theatre a perfect medium. Recent performance credits include voice acting for Shaughn Clutchey’s radio drama Blanket Fish (5290 Festival), and Braden Henderson’s Burgertory (2021) and Pigeon Play (2020) in the playGround Theatre Festival. As well as performing, Ryan loves exploring costuming and fashion history. He thanks you for supporting online theatre and hopes you enjoy your stay at The Tabella Hotel🗝
Ola Mularczyk (she/her)
The Great Escape Co. - The Tabella
Ola is thrilled to be part of an incredible team such as The Great Escape Collective. She is excited to share the group’s collective creation of “The Tabella” for the 2022 Devised Theatre Festival. It’s been an incredible process and a fantastic way to wrap up her Theatre experience at York.
Ola is thrilled to be part of an incredible team such as The Great Escape Collective. She is excited to share the group’s collective creation of “The Tabella” for the 2022 Devised Theatre Festival. It’s been an incredible process and a fantastic way to wrap up her Theatre experience at York.
Qadira Nazarali (she/her)
Cicadian - Fruits Of Labour
Qadira Nazarali (she/her) is an emerging artist from Toronto in her final year of study as a Theatre major at York University, also minoring in Business. In her 4 years at York, she has explored the roles of directing, writing & performing and hopes to further her knowledge and experiences by getting involved in more productions once she graduates. She also looks forward to using her minor in Business to pursue a career as a talent agent, where she hopes to manage young artists and performers.
During her period of study, Qadira has been involved with York University’s playGround Festival with pieces such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers” (Co-Creator/Co-Director) and in 2021 “He Follows” (Performer). She has also taken part in the 2019 V-day @ York production of “Vagina Monologues” (Performer). Recently, she was involved with the production of “Mother’s Daughter” (5290 Festival) as a makeup designer.
As Qadira enters her final semester studying devised theatre, she is excited to showcase the final product of an amazing show like “Fruits of Labour” which her group mates and herself have been working so hard on since the beginning of the year.
Qadira Nazarali (she/her) is an emerging artist from Toronto in her final year of study as a Theatre major at York University, also minoring in Business. In her 4 years at York, she has explored the roles of directing, writing & performing and hopes to further her knowledge and experiences by getting involved in more productions once she graduates. She also looks forward to using her minor in Business to pursue a career as a talent agent, where she hopes to manage young artists and performers.
During her period of study, Qadira has been involved with York University’s playGround Festival with pieces such as “Our Mothers’ and Fathers” (Co-Creator/Co-Director) and in 2021 “He Follows” (Performer). She has also taken part in the 2019 V-day @ York production of “Vagina Monologues” (Performer). Recently, she was involved with the production of “Mother’s Daughter” (5290 Festival) as a makeup designer.
As Qadira enters her final semester studying devised theatre, she is excited to showcase the final product of an amazing show like “Fruits of Labour” which her group mates and herself have been working so hard on since the beginning of the year.
Ellise Roth (she/her)
Nova - Project 37
Ellise is an actor and theatre creator in her fourth-year at York University specializing in Devised Theatre and performance creation, who is delighted to be working with Nova Theatre Co. to present you with ‘Project 37’. She has greatly enjoyed working with her company to bring the story to life and is excited to introduce you all to Summer Vanderbilt. Throughout her time at York, Ellise has worked with Vanier College Productions to express her love of musical theatre, playing Young Fiona in ‘Shrek the Musical’, Tess in ‘My Favorite Year’ and was a soloist in this year’s ‘All Together Now’ Concert. Ellise thanks her family for their continuous support and hopes you enjoy 2022’s Devised Theatre Festival!
Ellise is an actor and theatre creator in her fourth-year at York University specializing in Devised Theatre and performance creation, who is delighted to be working with Nova Theatre Co. to present you with ‘Project 37’. She has greatly enjoyed working with her company to bring the story to life and is excited to introduce you all to Summer Vanderbilt. Throughout her time at York, Ellise has worked with Vanier College Productions to express her love of musical theatre, playing Young Fiona in ‘Shrek the Musical’, Tess in ‘My Favorite Year’ and was a soloist in this year’s ‘All Together Now’ Concert. Ellise thanks her family for their continuous support and hopes you enjoy 2022’s Devised Theatre Festival!
Karolina Solovka (she/her)
Nova - Project 37
Karolina Solovka is an aspiring theatre performer, director, stage manager and educator based in Toronto. She is currently in her fourth year at York University earning a BFA in Theatre Performance and Creation with a specialization in Devised Theatre. She is very excited to be a part of Nova Theatre Co. and have had the opportunity to devise a unique piece with such incredible artists.
A few of her past credits include, The Late Wedding ( Assistant Director, Theatre@York 2021), Swallow This Skin (Stage Manager, Toronto Fringe Festival 2021), nowhen (performer, Canadian Stage 2021), Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. (Assistant Director, Theatre@York 2021), Goodnight, Sunny (Assistant Stage Manager, Devised Theatre Festival 2020), Black Dahlias (The Innocent, York PlayGround Festival 2020), and The Vagina Monologues (Hair, VDay@York 2019).
Karolina Solovka is an aspiring theatre performer, director, stage manager and educator based in Toronto. She is currently in her fourth year at York University earning a BFA in Theatre Performance and Creation with a specialization in Devised Theatre. She is very excited to be a part of Nova Theatre Co. and have had the opportunity to devise a unique piece with such incredible artists.
A few of her past credits include, The Late Wedding ( Assistant Director, Theatre@York 2021), Swallow This Skin (Stage Manager, Toronto Fringe Festival 2021), nowhen (performer, Canadian Stage 2021), Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. (Assistant Director, Theatre@York 2021), Goodnight, Sunny (Assistant Stage Manager, Devised Theatre Festival 2020), Black Dahlias (The Innocent, York PlayGround Festival 2020), and The Vagina Monologues (Hair, VDay@York 2019).
Rashawn Thakoordeen (he/him)
FOURTIFY - Apophenic Undayra
Rashawn Thakoordeen is proud to be apart of this years Devised Theatre Festival, performing in Apophenic Undayra. He will be graduating this year from York with a BA Specialized Honours Theatre. He has taken part in many productions in and around the university. Those works would include four years performing in the Playground Festival (A Friend of Dorothy, Superliked, Finalgurlz, Let’s Go Halfsies), and performing in the first ever 5290 Festival (SHAME). He has also performed most recently off campus at The Harbourfront Centre in their production of The Second Woman. Rashawn is thankful for the opportunities he has had at York, and is excited to see what the future has next in store for him.
Rashawn Thakoordeen is proud to be apart of this years Devised Theatre Festival, performing in Apophenic Undayra. He will be graduating this year from York with a BA Specialized Honours Theatre. He has taken part in many productions in and around the university. Those works would include four years performing in the Playground Festival (A Friend of Dorothy, Superliked, Finalgurlz, Let’s Go Halfsies), and performing in the first ever 5290 Festival (SHAME). He has also performed most recently off campus at The Harbourfront Centre in their production of The Second Woman. Rashawn is thankful for the opportunities he has had at York, and is excited to see what the future has next in store for him.
Lauren Tiersma (she/her)
The Great Escape Co. - The Tabella
Lauren Tiersma is in her final year at York University where she has had many opportunities to be involved in playGround shows and past Devised Theatre Festivals, both on stage and behind the scenes. Most recently she worked on Theatre@York's production of The Late Wedding as an Assistant Director. She could not be more grateful for the ever-growing theatre community that has continued to support and inspire her creative ambitions over the years. Taking on the role as lighting designer for The Tabella, was a challenging and new experience for Lauren but she has had a blast each step of the way. Devising her show, The Tabella, with the Great Escape Collective has been the highlight of her university career and she hopes that you enjoy it as much as she did creating it!
Lauren Tiersma is in her final year at York University where she has had many opportunities to be involved in playGround shows and past Devised Theatre Festivals, both on stage and behind the scenes. Most recently she worked on Theatre@York's production of The Late Wedding as an Assistant Director. She could not be more grateful for the ever-growing theatre community that has continued to support and inspire her creative ambitions over the years. Taking on the role as lighting designer for The Tabella, was a challenging and new experience for Lauren but she has had a blast each step of the way. Devising her show, The Tabella, with the Great Escape Collective has been the highlight of her university career and she hopes that you enjoy it as much as she did creating it!
Noah Webster (he/him)
Cicadian - Fruits Of Labour
Noah is very excited to be a part of this years Devised Theatre Festival! After being a part of the 2019 Devised Theatre Festival back in his first year, he has been awaiting his time to be a deviser for his very own show. Gaining experience from all his classes these past three years, he feels like this is the perfect culmination of the hard work he has put in to get here. Noah couldn’t have asked for a better Company to work with this year than Cicadian, everyone is so supportive and just so much fun to work with. Although this festival brings him to the end of his theatre journey at York, he feels so lucky to have created long lasting relationships with his peers and is so excited to see how successful everyone will become. Lastly, he just wants to thank his family and girlfriend who, without their support, he would have never been able to be where he is today.
Noah is very excited to be a part of this years Devised Theatre Festival! After being a part of the 2019 Devised Theatre Festival back in his first year, he has been awaiting his time to be a deviser for his very own show. Gaining experience from all his classes these past three years, he feels like this is the perfect culmination of the hard work he has put in to get here. Noah couldn’t have asked for a better Company to work with this year than Cicadian, everyone is so supportive and just so much fun to work with. Although this festival brings him to the end of his theatre journey at York, he feels so lucky to have created long lasting relationships with his peers and is so excited to see how successful everyone will become. Lastly, he just wants to thank his family and girlfriend who, without their support, he would have never been able to be where he is today.
Ian Garrett (he/him)
DT Coordinator
Ian Garrett is a designer, producer, educator, and researcher in the field of sustainability in arts and culture. He is the director of the Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts and Associate Professor of Ecological Design for Performance at York University, where he is Graduate Program Director for Theatre and Performance Studies. He is also producer for Toasterlab, a mixed reality performance collective. He maintains a design practice focused on ecology, accessible technologies and scenography. Notable projects related to EcoScenography include the set and energy systems for Zata Omm's Vox:Lumen at the Harbourfront Centre and Crimson Collective’s Ascension, a solar 150’ wide crane at Coachella. With Chantal Bilodeau, he co-directs the Climate Change Theatre Action. His writing includes Arts, the Environment, and Sustainability for Americans for the Arts; The Carbon Footprint of Theatrical Production in Readings in Performance and Ecology, and Theatre is No Place for a Plant in Landing Stages from the Ashden Directory. He serves on the Board of Directors for Associated Designers of Canada, was the Curator for the US for the 2019 Prague Quadrennial, and is co-chair for World Stage Design 2022 in Calgary.
Ian Garrett is a designer, producer, educator, and researcher in the field of sustainability in arts and culture. He is the director of the Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts and Associate Professor of Ecological Design for Performance at York University, where he is Graduate Program Director for Theatre and Performance Studies. He is also producer for Toasterlab, a mixed reality performance collective. He maintains a design practice focused on ecology, accessible technologies and scenography. Notable projects related to EcoScenography include the set and energy systems for Zata Omm's Vox:Lumen at the Harbourfront Centre and Crimson Collective’s Ascension, a solar 150’ wide crane at Coachella. With Chantal Bilodeau, he co-directs the Climate Change Theatre Action. His writing includes Arts, the Environment, and Sustainability for Americans for the Arts; The Carbon Footprint of Theatrical Production in Readings in Performance and Ecology, and Theatre is No Place for a Plant in Landing Stages from the Ashden Directory. He serves on the Board of Directors for Associated Designers of Canada, was the Curator for the US for the 2019 Prague Quadrennial, and is co-chair for World Stage Design 2022 in Calgary.
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