Ravyn Wngz “The Black Widow of Burlesque '' is a Tanzanian, Bermudian, Mohawk, 2Spirit, empowerment movement storyteller of Trans experience. An abolitionist, and Black Renaissance Artivist. Her work is rooted in Black liberation and Indigenous Resurgence. She has a vision to create work/art/conversations that open minds, expand truths and deepen intellectual commitments into lived practices.  Her commitment is to elevate our collective global humanity. Ravyn is a co-founder of ILL NANA/DiverseCity Dance Company. A Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Canada, A steering committee member of Black Lives Matter Toronto, A Canadian Best Selling Author and Co-Curator of The Wildseed Black Arts Fellowship 

Gisy began performing three years ago with a theatrical performance at Gage park concluding the end of summer training through the Theatre Aquarius Summer Stock program. Through my high school Glee Club I’ve been a featured performer at both national and local events like Show Choir Canada and  Bishop Ryan Catholic School’s Vocal fest. Outside of high school I’ve been casted in community theatre productions such as High School Musical at Hamilton Theatre Inc. in early 2018 where I played the role of Chad Danforth then in early 2019 I played Kevin in The Day They Shot John Lennon at the Players Guild. Beginning in 2020 I began working with the Hamilton Youth Poets as a teaching artist and am currently pursuing a career in both music and acting.

songwhip.com/gsymohamed

Originally from the war-torn region of Southern Sudan, now based in Toronto, Emmanuel Jal overcame a huge number of struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador, with six award nominated studio albums to his credit.  Emmanuel details his experiences in a book titled War Child, and a feature documentary of the same title.  In 2010, Jal released We Want Peace, part of a wider campaign of the same name that called for peace, protection and justice for all of Sudan, as well as calling for an end to all conflicts that affect innocent people around the world.  He continues to be a powerful force for change. https://www.emmanueljal.com/

Luke Reece is an award-winning spoken word poet, theatre producer and playwright, recently appointed as Soulpepper’s Associate Artistic Director. Through his work as an educator and artistic leader within the national arts community, he advocates for engaging and nuanced storytelling that challenges Canadian audiences. He is one of Toronto’s most decorated slam poets, and has represented the country internationally. Luke currently sits on the board for the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and the Toronto Poetry Project. 

www.lukereece.com