dance Immersion is thrilled to present the Toronto Premiere of this incredibly moving one-woman show by Shayna Jones of B.C., produced by Pi Theatre. Black & Rural incorporates spoken word, movement, and music to create an essential theatre experience that gives voice to rural Canadians of the African Diaspora.

Black & Rural is an artistic inquiry into the hearts and minds of Black folks tucked away on Canada’s countryside. Project lead, Shayna Jones, aims to seek out, honour, and showcase stories from rurally based Blacks (like herself) to nuance and challenge the monolith of what matters to Black Lives. Created and performed by Shayna Jones and produced by Pi Theatre, Black & Rural weaves spoken word, movement, music, and verbatim theatre together in a spellbinding performance that is resonating across the country.

Shayna Jones (she/her) is an award winning actor, a playwright, a folklorist, and a multi-disciplinary spoken word artist specializing in the traditional oral storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic lore. As a professionally trained performer, vocalist, and fine mover, Shayna has crafted performances for countless audiences across Canada featuring Afro-centric Folk History, Folklore and Contemporary Experience. Learn more about Shayna and her work at: www.wearestoryfolk.com