Ian Kamau
Loss
Loss is a deeply honest, live retelling of an intergenerational family story, written by Ian Kamau and his father Roger McTair.
This multi-media performance begins as a mirror into a winter of depression, then slowly unravels the mystery surrounding the death of his paternal grandmother Nora Elutha Rogers.
An orchestration of memories using live music, video, and storytelling — Loss is an exploration of grief in Afro-Caribbean communities, and an immersive experience towards healing shared with the audience.
Loss was developed in Residency at The Theatre Centre.
Ian Kamau is an artist, writer, and designer from Toronto. He has released seven music projects including the self-produced album One Day Soon (2011) and has published articles, short stories, and poems in publications by Vice, Coach House Press, and Book Thug. The son of pioneering filmmakers, he was the founding executive director of Nia Centre for the Arts, has a Bachelor in Design and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Masters in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. His research includes cultural production, storytelling, and critical city building with a focus on mental health and actualization.
Coming up:
World Premiere: Luminato Festival Toronto presents Ian Kamau’s Loss, produced by The Theatre Centre
On stage June 14 — 18, 2023 at The Harbourfront Centre Theatre
- ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreted Performance will take place on Thursday, June 15, at 8pm
- Relaxed Performance will take place on Saturday, June 17, at 2pm
- Financial Accessibility: All tickets to Loss are “pick your price” starting at $15 inclusive of all fees and taxes.
- Just Us Event dedicated to Black audiences will take place Friday, June 16, at 8pm
“What is the most important show on the Fringe? It might just be Sea Sick.”
Lynn Gardner
StageDoor
Aug 2019
★★★★★
“a remarkable feat of storytelling and reportage”
“a remarkable feat of storytelling and reportage”
The List
2019
★★★★
“Sea Sick is a quiet call to action, a reminder of our responsibilities, and a crucial examination of an underexposed issue.”
The Arts Desk
2019
★★★★
“Can a science journalist save the world through the power of theatre?”
The Guardian
2019
★★★★
“a thrilling…cautionary tale”
Toronto Star
2014
Alanna Mitchell
Creator and Performer
Alanna Mitchell
Creator and Performer
Franco Boni
Director
Ravi Jain
Co-Director
Shawn Kerwin
Set & Costume Designer
Shawn Kerwin
Set & Costume Designer
Tim Lindsay
Sound Designer
Rebecca Picherak
Lighting Designer
Melissa Joakim
Stage Manager and Touring Lighting Designer
Melissa Joakim
Stage Manager and Touring Lighting Designer
Toronto // The Theatre Centre (Premiere) // March 2014
Montreal // Usine C // April 2014
Calgary // High Performance Rodeo // January 2015
Vancouver // PuSh International Performing Arts Festival // February 2015
Mumbai // Mumbai Lit Festival
Luxembourg City // Fundamental Monodrama Festival // June 2016
Darwin, Australia // Darwin Festival // August 2017