THE TAXI PROJECT:
A PLAY BY WRITERS
IN EXILE
Written By Martha Kumaa, Emmah Beltran, Goran Simic, Sheng Xue with Weyni Mengesha and Erica Kypota
Direction and dramaturge by Weyni Mengesha
Presented by PEN Canada
The play was collectively developed by four writers in exile with Mengesha and Erica Kypota, dealing with freedom of expression and immigrant rights. It enjoyed sold out runs and an extensive tour. It was published in 2010.
THE REVIEWS
“The project was particularly challenging as it engaged with writers from a diversity of literary backgrounds - journalists, poets, playwrights and academics. However, Weyni has a uniquue ability to draw out the talents of other artists, to encourage writers to take risks, a clear artistic vision, and infectiously intense commitment to her work.”
Josh Block (Art For Real Change Artistic Director)
“What’s most impressive about the writing is its poetry; imagery evokes a vibrant life in a distant homeland from which each character has been forced to escape and to which each can never return.
The performances are so strong, so carefully evoked by Mengesha’s direction.”
Jon Kaplan, Now Magazine