MEET THE CAST
Meet the Cast
JA.Marie is Rosa
JA.Marie aka Azulajé, is a multi-disciplinary Performing Artist, Intuitive, and Yoga Teacher based in Tkarónto. Born into an artistic family, JA.Marie was exposed to the diversity of arts and culture found in the Afro/Caribbean-Canadian Diaspora from an early age. A graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts (2018) she has been trained in Dance, Music and Theatre; an experience that has further deepened her love for storytelling and healing through these art forms. She is drawn to work that speaks to her Afro/Caribbean cultural heritage as well as work that embraces feminist /matriarchal themes; recently working with Mafa Dance Village & Danza Corpus Canada over the last 2 years.
When she is not performing on stage, Azulajé is also building her music career as a Singer/Songwriter, having released 3 singles in the past 2 years SunDayze, I Am Wombxn, and most recently To:The Sea. JA. Marie is also committed to her community. In 2022, she taught Drama and Musical Theatre Program Instructor at Gotta Dance, as well as Performance Workshop Facilitator AfiwiGroove School. Her business venture, The Hummingbird Coven, is an offering of self-love and soul-care guidance to the healing of the BIPOC community. JA.Marie recently completed her 200hr YTT with Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute as of June 2022 and is excited and grateful to step into seva (service).
Dr. Roz Roach is The Warrior
Dr. Roz began her professional career as a Registered Nurse in the early seventies. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Sciences, a Master’s degree in Transcultural Psychiatry with training in Psychotherapy/Psychoanalysis. She also holds a Doctorate in Health and Human Sciences and later received training as an Acupuncturist.
Dr. Roz is the founder and president of Nu-Life and Longevity, an international practice supporting the promotion of optimal health and wellness. Dr. Roz is the first Black woman in Canada to negotiate with three levels of government to secure four million dollars to build Dr. Roz’s Healing Place where she is the current Executive Director. Dr. Roz’s Healing Place is a centre for abused women, children, youth, and youth at risk, with a mandate to eradicate violence locally, nationally, and globally.
Dr. Roz also has an artistic side, and over 20 years ago she began writing and using music as a therapeutic tool. As a lyricist, she wrote, composed and performed in many venues. She is also a very prominent costume designer and producer, and for more than twenty years, she has designed and produced costumes for carnival celebrations in several countries.
Maria-Teresa Gangadeen
is The Narrator
Teresa is a Social Services Worker Graduate from Seneca College, who enjoyed working at the City of Toronto Employment & Social Services for over 30 years.
Teresa has had the pleasure of working with marginalized people, gaining further insight and knowledge while completing Case Management Studies at The Red Door Family Shelter with abused women and children. During her spare time her interests are: blogging about her lifestyle, writing poetry, karaoke, home décor, photography, and doing fashion shoots for the gram.
She believes that sharing your story can perhaps save someone else’s life. She also believes a true listener is one who doesn’t judge but listens with an open mind and heart and has no hidden agenda over you.
Teresa was overjoyed when asked to lend her voice to Sistas Calling a production bringing awareness to help eradicate violence against women and children.
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Sanda Menassa
is The Spirit
Growing up, Sandra danced both classical ballet and jazz and participated in yearly dance school performances. Being on stage and performing is part of who she is, no matter how big or small the role. Doing it for a higher purpose brings even more joy. Sistas Calling is a chance for to reconnect with herself, be on stage again, and stand with fellow sisters, raising awareness about anti-violence.
Audrey Rose is The Priestess
Hailing from Jamaica, Audrey Rose is a storyteller, poet, dancer, and intuitive life coach. In the 80s and 90s Audrey Rose was a prominent member of the arts & culture community in Toronto, leading workshops and performances at schools, theatres, and festivals across the city.
Outside of the arts, Audrey is an advocate for healthy lifestyle, applying ancient modalities of healing and wellbeing to guide others along their holistic wellness journey.
Audrey is thrilled to return the stage for Sistas Calling, helping share Rosa's story which mirrors the experiences of women across the globe.
Mansoor Amiri is
Rosa's Husband
Mansoor Amiri is the proud owner of a successful construction company and possesses the ability to speak multiple languages. Having lived in various countries, Mansoor's upbringing in Afghanistan has made violence against women a sensitive subject for him. However, it is precisely because of his personal experiences that he takes pride in standing up and being a voice for women within his cultural background. His dedication to advocating for women's rights is reflected through his active participation in the Sistas Calling production, where he is proud to play a part in driving positive change.
Meet the Dancers
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Ansu Alex, Co-Director
Meet Ansu Alex, an innovative choreographer, and founder of dance & movement school, Nrtya Creations, based in Vancouver. From a young age, Ansu Alex has been deeply passionate about dance, and her journey began as a self-taught dancer, exploring and experimenting with various styles and techniques. She started creating her own dance pieces at a young age, using dance as a means of storytelling and self-expression. Her unique style and approach caught the attention of others, and at the age of 13 she began choreographing dance pieces for competitive senior school teams, and by the age of 17 she was directing plays for community level events.
Driven by passion and desire to share her love of dance and story-telling, Ansu Alex founded her own dance school, Nrtya Creations teaching and collaborating with local schools and theatre groups, working on school musicals, fundraising events, educational programs, and plays. Her school’s approach is heartfelt, constantly transforming to be innovative and holistic with a deep commitment of cultivating creativity, self-expression, and a deep understanding of the art form. Although she is an engineer by the day, at other times you can see her burning to constantly create new works of art, teaching aspiring dancers, or collaborating with others to bring artistic visions to life with a deep sense of joy and enthusiasm.
Mariama Jalloh
My name is Mariama Jalloh. I’m currently at Seneca College for the Early Childhood Education program. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old at Innovative Rhythm Dance Studio, where I did all types of dance, my favourite styles being jazz, lyrical and tap. From the age of 5 I studied Drama with Young People's Theatre until I was 15.
When I’m not dancing or studying, I am a part time children's Swimming Instructor. After 2 years of scuba diving training I became a certified Rescue Diver. I love to help the little ones learn and explore. I’m excited for this new chapter in my life where I can be a part of a production like this where we are spreading a meaningful message.
I am Laxmi Menon, final year marketing student at Seneca College. Initially trained in Indian classical dance including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Bollywood dance styles, I later found my interest in various street dance styles including Hip Hop and Krump. My journey in dance started at the age of 3 when I fell in love with the art of storytelling in dance through Indian classical dance styles. Later being introduced to Hip Hop, I fell in love with the purpose and the history of the dance style and the music that it speaks through.
My purpose through dance has always been to make people connect through my art and to make sure that people understand what I communicate. My experience as a dancer and a choreographer in Canada and back home in India has given me purpose to always keep getting better at what I do and to learn more everyday. Sista’s Calling is one such great opportunity that I am really looking forward to performing as it has definitely been a beautiful learning experience for me.
Laxmi Menon
My name is Omrah Faqiryar. I am a fourth-year Sociology student with a Criminology and Business Law minor at Toronto Metropolitan University. I have done work with legislators at the Senate House. My purpose in life is to change the way that underprivileged people are represented in this world. On a lighter note, I was co-cheer captain in high school and have loved music and dancing my entire life. Being a part of Sista’s Calling is a way to combine my love for the arts with my purpose in life. This production is truly groundbreaking as it allows such a serious topic and story to be spread to the masses and allows all individuals to interpret it in a way that is impactful to themselves. Joining the Sista’s Calling production at age 21 has allowed me to broaden my knowledge about women’s struggles that aren’t always public.
My name is Omrah Faqiryar. I am a fourth-year Sociology student with a Criminology and Business Law minor at Toronto Metropolitan University. I have done work with legislators at the Senate House. My purpose in life is to change the way that underprivileged people are represented in this world. On a lighter note, I was co-cheer captain in high school and have loved music and dancing my entire life. Being a part of Sista’s Calling is a way to combine my love for the arts with my purpose in life. This production is truly groundbreaking as it allows such a serious topic and story to be spread to the masses and allows all individuals to interpret it in a way that is impactful to themselves. Joining the Sista’s Calling production at age 21 has allowed me to broaden my knowledge about women’s struggles that aren’t always public.
Omrah Faqiryar
My name is Omrah Faqiryar. I am a fourth-year Sociology student with a Criminology and Business Law minor at Toronto Metropolitan University. I have done work with legislators at the Senate House. My purpose in life is to change the way that underprivileged people are represented in this world. On a lighter note, I was co-cheer captain in high school and have loved music and dancing my entire life. Being a part of Sista’s Calling is a way to combine my love for the arts with my purpose in life. This production is truly groundbreaking as it allows such a serious topic and story to be spread to the masses and allows all individuals to interpret it in a way that is impactful to themselves. Joining the Sista’s Calling production at age 21 has allowed me to broaden my knowledge about women’s struggles that aren’t always public.
Meet the Chanters
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Emilsa Sealy
Emilsa, a Toronto costume designer, is popular in the Caribbean for her contributions to beloved carnival costumes. Emilsa's love of Caribbean art and her knowledge of the carnival contributes to her success. Through her work at the heart of the carnival as a band manager, she works with costumers and performers to coordinate their costumes. Her attention to details makes her an asset for any production.
Fouzia Ladha
I have been passionate about dancing my entire life, winning a prize at age 7. Joining the team for the Sistas Calling production has given me the opportunity to dance on stage again, to express freedom, and to spread awareness to stop the violence.
I have been working at Dr. Roz's Healing Place for over fourteen years and my passion for supporting and advocating for women and children has grown while working with such incredible role models.
Dancing and singing is a wonderful way to celebrate and heal.
Maureen Malone
Maureen is a customer service-focused general manager and has dedicated over 15 years to the retirement home industry. She strives to improve the quality of life and well-being for those living in retirement homes by providing physical, spiritual, health and wellness, and social programs.
Maureen has been a friend of Dr. Roz’s Healing Place for many years, in various capacities including administrative assistant, grant writer, counsellor, and board member.
She is excited to be a part of this production and help to work towards eliminating violence against women and children.
Paulina Tshuma
My name is Paulina Tshuma, I am a proud daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. Professionally, I wear many hats, currently working within the ACB (African, Caribbean and Black) communities .
I have been dancing from a tender age of 5 years and have performed African, hip hop, and jazz dance with Innovative Rhythm Dance Studios, as well as, with people from Toronto Dance Theatre. During my spare time , I cook a lot and run Paulina's Catering, a catering business that specializes in African, Caribbean and South Asian Menus, as featured in the Toronto Star (December 2012).
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Greg Hines
Meet Ansu Alex, an innovative choreographer, and founder of dance & movement school, Nrtya Creations, based in Vancouver. From a young age, Ansu Alex has been deeply passionate about dance, and her journey began as a self-taught dancer, exploring and experimenting with various styles and techniques. She started creating her own dance pieces at a young age, using dance as a means of storytelling and self-expression. Her unique style and approach caught the attention of others, and at the age of 13 she began choreographing dance pieces for competitive senior school teams, and by the age of 17 she was directing plays for community level events.
Driven by passion and desire to share her love of dance and story-telling, Ansu Alex founded her own dance school, Nrtya Creations teaching and collaborating with local schools and theatre groups, working on school musicals, fundraising events, educational programs, and plays. Her school’s approach is heartfelt, constantly transforming to be innovative and holistic with a deep commitment of cultivating creativity, self-expression, and a deep understanding of the art form. Although she is an engineer by the day, at other times you can see her burning to constantly create new works of art, teaching aspiring dancers, or collaborating with others to bring artistic visions to life with a deep sense of joy and enthusiasm.
Meet Ansu Alex, an innovative choreographer, and founder of dance & movement school, Nrtya Creations, based in Vancouver. From a young age, Ansu Alex has been deeply passionate about dance, and her journey began as a self-taught dancer, exploring and experimenting with various styles and techniques. She started creating her own dance pieces at a young age, using dance as a means of storytelling and self-expression. Her unique style and approach caught the attention of others, and at the age of 13 she began choreographing dance pieces for competitive senior school teams, and by the age of 17 she was directing plays for community level events.
Driven by passion and desire to share her love of dance and story-telling, Ansu Alex founded her own dance school, Nrtya Creations teaching and collaborating with local schools and theatre groups, working on school musicals, fundraising events, educational programs, and plays. Her school’s approach is heartfelt, constantly transforming to be innovative and holistic with a deep commitment of cultivating creativity, self-expression, and a deep understanding of the art form. Although she is an engineer by the day, at other times you can see her burning to constantly create new works of art, teaching aspiring dancers, or collaborating with others to bring artistic visions to life with a deep sense of joy and enthusiasm.
Greg Hines is a seasoned dance professional who started his dance career with legendary Hip Hop choreographer Luther Brown from “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Next Generation”, later evolving into a touring dancer and choreographer.
DOAHL Academy was born out of a genuine love for the art of dance. Co-Founder and co-owner Greg seeks to pass on his deep passion for dance to a new generation of dancers.
Greg is known as an expert Hip Hop Choreographer, professional Music Producer, expert Artistic Director, owner of DOAHL Dance Academy, Artist Developer, Record Label professional, professional comedian and was a co- host for the TV show "Love Is Moving" in 2013.
Meet the Musicians
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Mia Temori, Co-Producer
I am an Uzbek/Afghan Canadian who is deeply committed to combating violence and racism. This musical theatre production against violence and racism holds a special place in my heart. With a diverse cultural background and fluency in multiple languages, I strive to bridge cultural divides through effective communication.
In addition to my pursuits in the performing arts, I actively contribute to my community by supporting women fleeing domestic violence at Dr. Roz's Healing Place. Drawing from my own experiences as a survivor, I approach my role with empathy, resilience, and unwavering compassion, dedicated to empowering women and children.
My love for exploring different cultures has deepened my understanding of humanity's interconnectedness. I discovered the enchanting world of drumming during my travels in Morocco, which has become an integral part of my musical expression.
My ultimate goal is to create a world where women and children can thrive without fear. Through my involvement in "Sistas Calling" and tireless efforts to support those affected by domestic violence, I utilize my talents and platform to make a lasting impact. I firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts in driving social justice, making me an inspiring force for change.
Cecil Roach
Cecil Roach is an award-winning educator and passionate school and system leader who believes that public schools represent both the foundation of our democracy and the hope for our future. As the Associate Director, Equitable Outcomes and Schools, Cecil Roach plays a central role in the management of conflict resolution that focuses on the best interests of students; supports superintendent learning; and monitors system and school improvement planning for schools within the Community Education Centre East and North areas. A founding member of the Alliance of Educators for Black Students, Roach has also served as Director of Education for the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association.
Cecil Roach started playing the djembe as a means of affirming his connection to the motherland. Under the tutelage of Keith Pascal and Muhtadi Thomas, he learned quickly and later performed across York Region with a group called Zimmer Drummers.
Keith Pascall
Keith Pascall was raised in Port of Spain in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. At the age of 17 Keith started to express a great deal of interest in his culture, quickly embracing many forms of art. Soon he was teaching, choreographing, and dancing with various dance companies - touring Hong Kong, Florida, Washington DC, Winnipeg, Toronto, Brantford, Hamilton, and Leamington.
After a tour in Canada in 1987, Keith loved the country so much he decided to migrate and settled in Scarborough Toronto ON where he taught in the Afro-Caribbean dance and drumming, before opening his own dance groups called Tropical Youth Group and the Hummingbird Dancers and Performing Company in 1992.
In the last 9 years Keith has partnered with Brantford Caribbean Dance Vibration, acting as their Lead Choreographer and Drum Instructor. Keith’s latest venture is KPASS Folk Performers and Drumming Group.
There is no doubt that Keith Pascal has contributed to his community by sharing his love for his Caribbean culture, the Arts and his heritage with so many people. His goal is to inspire, teach and preserve the Afro-Caribbean Culture with everyone, especially the youth.
Roxanne Christian
Roxanne Christian, Trafalgar Castle School and Berklee College of Music alumni, has over a decade of experience working with physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive needs within district school boards, municipal nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, and other populations globally. Roxanne is an international board certified music therapist. She is board certified through the Certification Board of Music Therapists in the USA and the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. Ms. Christian is the founder of Live Love Life Music.
Michelle Walker
A performing artist for life, Michelle has dabbled in all aspects of stage performance from a very early age, coming from generations of artists and singers. Learning from very varied experiences, and from multiple professional leaders in the arts and culture industry, Michelle counts among many highlights in her performing life: supporting vocalist for prominent Caribbean artists including The Mighty Sparrow, Shadow, Chalkdust, Denyse Plummer, Calypso Rose, David Rudder, among countless others. Michelle is a current member of David Rudder’s Toronto band The Contra Band, has recorded lead and background vocals on a number of albums, including Kobo Town’s Jumbie in de Jukebox, MOKA’s Dis Is MOKA, and Calypso Rose’s Far From Home, the latter being internationally recognized and receiving France’s highest music award, Victoire de la Musique. Her vocals are also recorded in the music for this project SISTAS CALLING, by Roz Roach.