A Revolution of Love
A Revolution of Love* is a digital short film that follows a young Black woman as she grapples with the histories of her ancestors and the present-day violence ravaging her community, and begins to imagine what her future looks like through dance. Conceived by an internationally recognized Black creative team and featuring the words of Assata Shakur, this piece spotlights 15 women of varying shades as they come together to re-frame revolution in the name of love. Filmed at Toronto’s Fort York National Historic Site in partnership with Soulpepper Theatre Company.
Awakenings Reflections: Behind the Scenes Discussions
Choreographer Esie Mensah and co-directors Weyni Mengesha and Lucius Dechausay sit down at Soulpepper to discuss the creation of and intention behind their latest project, “A Revolution of Love.”
Artist Bios
Esie Mensah (Choreographer)
Dora-nominated Esie Mensah embodies the multifaceted artist whose creative footprint extends to many disciplines. As a choreographer, dancer, movement director and TEDxToronto speaker, Esie brings her mastery of storytelling to audiences as diverse as her experiences. From working with megastars like Rihanna, Drake and Arcade Fire, to brands like Coca-Cola, TIFF, Shaw Festival, Soulpepper and the Toronto Raptors, Esie Mensah’s creations show no signs of slowing down.
Weyni Mengesha (Co-Director)
Weyni Mengesha is the Artistic Director of Soulpepper. She has directed ground-breaking theatre across Canada that has been developed for television on Global TV, CBC and Netflix including “Da Kink in my Hair” and “Kim’s Convenience”. She has directed in London, New York, and LA, garnering an NAACP nomination for Best Direction and multiple Dora nominations and awards for Outstanding Direction. Recently, she was named one of the 50 most influential people in Toronto by Toronto Life Magazine.
Lucius Dechausay (Co-Director and Editor)
Lucius Dechausay is a director, editor, producer and illustrator whose films have been broadcast nation-wide and featured at numerous festivals around the world. Notable work includes the multi-award-winning animated short film “The Mark”, Canadian Screen Award winner “Super Queeroes”, CBC Art’s “The Move”, and the Hot Doc’s favourites “êmîcêtôcêt: Many Bloodlines” and “KETTLE”. Through his work, he aims to share diverse stories in an empowering and urgent way.
d’bi.young anitafrika (Composer)
d’bi.young anitafrika is an African-Jamaican-Canadian international dub poet, theatre interventionist and decolonial scholar who is committed to creating and nurturing art that ritualizes acts of recovery from violence inflicted upon the people and the planet. Shx is a multi-award-winning Canadian Poet of Honor, Toronto Mayor’s Arts Award winner, author of twelve plays, seven albums and four collections of poetry, as well as a core faculty member of the new Soulpepper Academy.
*Content posted on “A Revolution of Love” as part of the Awakenings program operates under the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, sustainability, advocacy and storytelling. The content, views and opinions expressed are those of the individual story teller/presenter/producer and does not necessarily represent the City of Toronto’s views or opinions or an endorsement of such views or opinions by the City of Toronto.Any content provided on “A Revolution of Love” is not designed or intended to constitute medical advice. It is not meant to be used for diagnosis or treatment. Please talk to your medical doctor to help you make decisions about your treatment or medication.The City of Toronto is not responsible for any legal claims, costs, damages, liabilities, or obligations arising from the use or misuse of any content presented or filmed as part of the Awakenings program. The City of Toronto does not guarantee or warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information presented or filmed as part of the Awakenings program.
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