Writer, actor, creator: bahia watson truly does it all. From her recent work on some of Toronto’s biggest stages to her work on several familiar television shows, you’ve definitely seen her infectious smile and brilliant talent somewhere before. Now, watson is embarking on a new adventure: a solo show which they’ve written and are starring in. In our interview, I was able to ask bahia about her inspiration behind this piece, her stage and screen work, and how our socio-political climate influences her work.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us about your role in shaniqua in abstraction?

hello everyone, my name is bahia watson and i am the playwright and performer of ‘shaniqua in abstraction’.

2. Some readers might be familiar with your appearances on TV shows like “The Expanse” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” which are both very nuanced and intense shows. What drew you to these stories?

they’re both well written, complex portrayals of potential societies that explore the dynamics of oppression and resistance, amongst other human habits. i was honoured to be able to lend my voice to both of those monumental projects.

3. What was your main inspiration behind shaniqua in abstraction?

liberation, i think. and a desire to feel understood.

4. How does performing in your own creation differ from performing in an established work like Uncle Vanya?

i think the production style is probably where it differs most. i wear many hats in my own productions: writer, actor, producer, and so on. in ‘uncle vanya’ i am just there as an actor, so the focus is different and there’s a more robust team to rely on. in my own creations there is more freedom, and more stress, ha ha.

5. You infuse your art with thought-provoking analysis of our society. When did that fusion of art and social commentary start for you?

hard to pin point. i think i always have. i remember writing my first poem in second grade called ‘soweto’ about south african apartheid, so it’s definitely part of my creative expression, even with comedy. i always think about how i’d like to be able to just write about something without tending to all the weight of the world’s issues, but it’s like i can’t. i believe art must reflect the times and the times are never simple. there’s so much work to be done, i try to be of service.

I want to thank bahia so much for taking the time to answer my questions. You can check out shaniqua in abstraction at Crow’s Theatre from April 9 – 28. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/shaniquainabstraction

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