This two day, 6 hour training is designed for theatre artists, educators, and leaders interested in deepening their understanding of Anti-Racism and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Anti-Oppression Training for Theatre Arts Workers

Makram Ayache is a Lebanese-Canadian community-engaged playwright, director, actor, producer and educator who splits his time between Edmonton and Toronto.

As an Anti-Oppression and Equity workshop facilitator, Makram has extensive experience working with not-for-profit, corporate, government, post-secondary, arts, and charity organizations. Currently, he facilitates 2SLGBTQIA+ (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual/Agender) inclusion training through the 519 Church Street Community Centre in Toronto, Ontario. He runs his own consultation and training organization, Shajara, which works with organizations and individuals to make meaningful change towards equity and anti-oppression. Makram has worked with arts organizations such as Soulpepper Theatre, The Shaw Festival, and the Canadian Theatre Critics Association  to create meaningful and much needed change. You may also recognise Makram as Ruff’s Education Coordinator, where he runs the Young Ruffian Program.

The training will be a blend of knowledge sharing, soft skill reflections, and applications relevant to the world of theatre.

Where:
These sessions will be entirely on zoom. Anyone with an internet connection and a desire to dive in is welcome.

Dates: 
Saturday, June 26th, 1pm-4pm EST
Saturday, July 3rd, 1pm-4pm EST

Cost:
Sliding scale from $70- $120
If finances are a barrier for you, please contact us at info@shakespeareintheruff.com

Any inquiries can also be directed to info@shakespeareintheruff.com.

Register Now
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"Makram is a deeply engaging, knowledgeable, and sensitive workshop leader. I really appreciated the care he put into creating a space where productive learning could take place. I was extremely impressed by Makram's attention to detail in tailoring the workshop to the needs and background of his participants, so that we could get the most out of our brief time together and foster the potential for real change."

Signy Lynch
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“A bright and empathetic workshop leader, Makram is not only responsive to participants, but also certain in his mission to explain how oppression operates. Combining lecture, discussion and exercises, he stimulates, provokes and makes you think. Best of all, he does it with intelligence and charm.”

Mark Fisher
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"Makram Ayache is a brilliant facilitator. He conducted an Anti-Racist workshop for the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta that had major impact on our instructors. Rather than delivering a pre-packaged delivery of what anti-racism is, he customized the event to address specific issues in our department. Using anonymized case studies, he helped us see where and when we are engaging in racists behavior, and then helped us find solutions to our current problems. I've heard from instructors that this workshop has changed how they engage with their teaching. His work is transformative. I would recommend him to anyone seriously interested in change."

Melanie Dryer-Lude, Chair, Department of Drama, University of Alberta
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“Makram Ayache's workshop, "Anti-Oppression and Canadian Theatre Criticism" was of real value for the Canadian Theatre Critics' Association. His facilitation of discussion around the "Pillars of White Supremacy," intersectionality and other topics, coupled with a series of practical scenarios particularly germane to arts journalism, was especially useful in the break-out sessions. He was able to convene a timely and important discussion for the participants.”

Robin Breon