The TAXI Project - A play about exile by Emma Beltran, Martha Kuwee Kumsa, Sheng Xue and Goran Simic with Weyni Mengesha and Erica Kopyto

The TAXI Project - an initiative of PEN Canada and the Art for Real Change Collective - is an original play exploring issues of freedom of expression and the complex realities of living in exile. Written by four members of PEN Canada's Writers in Exile Program, the play follows four characters forced to leave their home countries and their struggles to create new lives in Canada.

The TAXI Project has been a three-year initiative (2006 - 2009), sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, that has brought together writers in exile and theatre artists to create an engaging theatre production. We wanted to inspire critical thinking and mobilization around issues of freedom of expression in Canada and beyond, literacy, social equity and justice, and refugee and immigrant experiences. To do this we have built partnerships with a community of organizations who are already working tirelessly to educate and advocate for freedom of expression.

PEN Canada Contact: Kendra Ward kward@pencanada.ca 416-703-8448 x23

The TAXI Project Team: Written by Emma Beltran, Martha Kuwee Kumsa, Sheng Xue, Goran Simic with Erica Kopyto and Weyni Mengesha
Starring Miranda Edwards, Patrick Garrow, Mayahuel Tecozautla, Diana Tso
Directed by Weyni Mengesha
Lighting Design by Gillian Wolpert
Video Design by Simon Clemo
Sound Design by Thomas Payne
Set/Costume Design by Jackie Chau

Sponsors: Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council