Founded in 1998, AfriCan Theatre Ensemble is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company whose primary mission is to stage African plays and explore intersections with other traditions. With seasoned actors, directors and other theatre experts, the Ensemble strives to present the works of playwrights from the continent and of African descent to audiences in the Greater Toronto Area. As well, AfriCan Theatre Ensemble works with Canadian grown talent to generate new creations reflecting the African-Canadian milieu and diverse heritage that may influence local dramatic works. Drawing upon traditional and contemporary styles of African theatre, our Ensemble aims to offer the viewing public thought-provoking and entertaining works that are unique and yet carry a universal appeal for audiences coming from a variety of backgrounds and cultural traditions.

Our mission is to make African theatre accessible to Canadians through performance, education, community outreach, and professional development of classic and new creations originating from or inspired by Africa.

AfriCan Theatre Ensemble recognizes the power of live art to inspire and renew the human spirit and to forge human relationships across cultures, creeds, ethnicities, ideologies, genders, and social classes. To that end, our work presents the different theatrical idioms, traditions and experiences of Africa and in so doing creates an avenue for cultural exchange between Africa and Canada.

In addition to staged productions/performances, the company creates opportunities for international collaborations and exchange of ideas. ATE recognizes Africa’s creative dialogue with its Diaspora and with other parts of the world. Collaborations that reflect this dialogue constitute a part of the Ensemble’s work. In presenting distinct African traditions, creations and techniques in the theatre arts, the Ensemble corrects the assumptions of a homogeneous Black experience.