Black Theatre Workshop Kicks Off 55th Season with ‘Tallawah’ Theme

Montreal’s Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) has officially launched its 55th season, unveiling an exciting lineup of productions and initiatives under the theme “Tallawah.” The announcement took place on Friday evening, marking another milestone for Canada’s longest-running Black theatre company. This season aims to foster dialogue and representation of Black culture through various artistic expressions.

The term “Tallawah” originates from Jamaican patois, signifying strength despite being small. Artistic Director Dian Marie Bridge explained its significance: “There’s a phrase that says, ‘we likkle, but we tallawah,’ which means we’re small, but we’re mighty.” This theme reflects the workshop’s commitment to showcasing the resilience and impact of Black voices in the arts.

Introducing the Jacklin Webb Theatre Scholarship

A highlight of the event was the introduction of the inaugural Jacklin Webb Theatre Scholarship, named in honor of a cherished member of the workshop who passed away. Webb served as an actor and president of the board, and her legacy continues through this scholarship, which aims to support young theatre artists over the next five years. The scholarship was established after Webb’s children approached the Black Theatre Workshop, expressing a desire to honor her contributions.

After an extensive selection process, the scholarship was awarded to Noah Hammermeister, a hard-of-hearing artist who transitioned from washing dishes in Regina, Saskatchewan, to studying at the National Theatre School of Canada. “It’s my first ever scholarship to be received and awarded like this, and especially coming from an all-Black community scholarship,” Hammermeister said. “The fact that I’m being welcomed into this new community is really important and it feels amazing.”

This Season’s Productions and Mentorship Program

The Black Theatre Workshop also announced several productions aimed at engaging audiences and supporting emerging artists. Among the featured works is “Pirate and the Lone Voice” by playwright Donna-Michelle St-Bernard. This piece, designed for young audiences, explores themes of youth empowerment and resistance through the lens of discovering pirate radio. The production will tour schools across Montreal from October 6-31, 2025, culminating at Union United Church.

For its mainstage production, the workshop will present “Our Place” by Kanika Ambrose, which tells the story of two Caribbean women navigating life in Canada while working at a jerk chicken shop. This play, which enjoyed success in Toronto, will premiere in Montreal at The Segal Centre for Performing Arts Studio from November 19-30, 2025.

Additionally, the Black Theatre Workshop is reviving its Artist Mentorship Program for a thirteenth year. This program will bring together 20 Black, Indigenous, and artists of color from across Canada for a six-month mentorship experience. The project will run from September through March, concluding with a public showcase of their work.

With these initiatives, the Black Theatre Workshop continues to play a vital role in the cultural landscape of Montreal, providing a platform for diverse voices and fostering community engagement through the arts.