Makambe Speaks is both unexpected, and thought-provoking. It is full of twists and turns, she plays several characters as she uses humour to approach serious topics.The show is cabaret style, which works perfectly as Makambe addresses the audience a few times and plays off their responses. It also gives it a more intimate feeling. I would recommend anyone to see this, as Makambe has a unique voice and it is an unforgettable show.”

-Makambe Speaks Audience Member

Makambe Speaks is filled with sparkling humour, playful storytelling and challenging truths. Makambe makes use of her incredible charm and wit as she draws us into intimate stories about her life's journey while shedding light on some important questions about local and global societal constructs. It's a complex and deeply moving piece of performance-art theatre. Check it out while you can!”

-Makambe Speaks Audience Member

JOIN US FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE

April 27-May 6 2023: TICKETS ON SALE NOW

*April 25 and 26 Previews are at capacity.

Makambe speaks

Created by Makambe K Simamba and Eric Rose

Featuring Makambe K Simamba

A Black Woman. A prairie sky. The Ponoka County Fair.

An adventure! A fantasy! A WHOLE LOTTA JOKES!

Fragments of stand-up comedy, musical theatre and a few other surprises combine in this fantasia of rage, cultural commentary, and star-crossed love.

Check out our Show Program HERE


MakambeSimamba-LVIMAGERY-1.JPG

Makambe K Simamba is a Dora Award winning playwright and actor for her most recent solo work, Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers (b current performing arts). She recently co-directed inVISIBLE (Too) at the University of Lethbridge. Stage acting credits include A Chitenge Story (Handsome Alice, Betty Mitchell Award Nomination for Outstanding Actress), GIANT (Ghost River Theatre), Bea (Sage Theatre), SIA (Pyretic Productions) and inVISIBLE (Handsome Alice). Screen acting credits include Titans (HBO MAX), Burn Your Maps (TIFF) and Young Drunk Punk (Citytv). Makambe is a national award-winning playwright whose work includes Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers, A Chitenge Story, MUD and The Drum Major Instinct. She was the Urjo Kareda Artist in Residence at the Tarragon Theatre for the 2020/21 season. Makambe is a proud Zambian whose intention is to be of service through her ability to tell stories.


2023 CREDITS

Makambe K. Simamba: Co-Creator and Performer

Eric Rose: Director and Co-Creator

Meg Farnhall: Dramaturg

Steve Isom: Lighting Designer

Kristin Eveleigh: Sound Designer

Naomi Esau: Stage Manager

Tauran Wood: Technical Director

Misha Maseka: Vocal Coach

Cindy Ansah: Choreograph Consultant


Special Thanks to

Presenting Sponsor Sentinel Storage

Calgary Arts Development for providing funding for the World Premiere of Makambe Speaks and our January 2020 and August 2022 development workshops for this project.

Handsome Alice Theatre for their partnership and support.


PRODUCTION HISTORY

January 2020: Ghost River Theatre Workshop, Calgary

June 2021: Online Workshop

August 2021: Spotlight Canada: The Pitch (Edinburgh Fringe)

April 25 - May 6, 2023: World Premiere at West Village Theatre, Calgary


credits (1st phase)

Makambe K Simamba: Co-Creator and Performer

Eric Rose: Director and Co-Creator

Meg Farhall: Dramaturg

Kathryn Smith: Design/Technical Collaborator

De-Ann Weekes: Choreographer

Adora Nwofor: Comedian Consultant

Melony Swallows: Production Assistant/Technician

credits (2nd phase)

Makambe K Simamba: Co-Creator and Performer

Eric Rose: Director and Co-Creator

Meg Farhall: Dramaturg

Misha Maseka: Voice Coach/Songwriting Consultant

Photos by Jaime Vedres