NIKKI SHAFF

New directions at Jumblies Theatre.

The things I do that maximize my experience of intercultural artistic collaborations - When I allow myself to go off on tangents with my collaborator - great things happen when we are off topic - When I listen to everything that my collaborator is saying, and not assuming they are off-track - When I value the experience of my collaborator - When I  recognize the resourcefulness of my collaborator - When, if I have an underdeveloped idea or invitation that I am not ready to share with my collaborator, I choose talk through the underdeveloped-ness of the idea with them, rather than not sharing it with them at all - When I own my own feelings and opinions - When I am grounded in where I come from - When I do my own research and asking thoughtful questions - When I take the time to identify and to communicate, what exactly are my interests and passions in learning about another culture, and thinking about how this relates to my culture(s) - When I am willing to step into the unknown

After a few years of working with a great team + wonderful contributors, and having the privilege of getting to read and write about my favourite topics, I will in a few months be leaving the position of editor-in-chief of alt.theatre magazine to explore new opportunities. I really believe that alt.theatre is an essential part of Canadian theatre and theatre discourse, and look forward to staying involved as a member of the editorial board. But we need a new EIC! Here's our call for applications for the position; please circulate widely. If you are thinking of applying and want to chat about it, don't hesitate to get in touch.

I'm en route to TO from Montreal feeling completely energized by Culture Shock. Spent yesterday with an amazing workshop group creating other-worldly theatrical adaptations of old cultural stories (as part of my workshop series the Old Stories Project), and on Saturday I got to share the stage with the hilarious, nerdy, BRILLIANT Walidah Imarisha as part of her Octavia's Brood keynote, talking about our shared love of science fiction, art, social justice,and LeVar Burton. So inspiring and reeeeaaaally fun. Thanks so much for having me, QPIRG! 

Performance photos by Katie Cutting  Yesterday was Queer Hallow’s Eve! This was Queer Royale’s second annual cabaret. I had the honour of emceeing the nigh - reprising the role from last summer’s QueerSummer Night’s Dream. Last time I emceed in character as Puck - this time I was in an attempted phoenix costume, but when my last minute DIY wings didn’t work out, I just rocked a red dress and said I was the Dancing Lady Emoji. I also performed a short piece with my dear friend Sahana! This was our first time performing together with our lil BollyClown duo, “Haute Curry”. It involved Basement Jaxx, a dream machine, and some brown femme clown magic.