chadia

chadia is a Burundian, queer, agender, neurodivergent multidisciplinary artist currently based in Tiohtià:ke. Originally starting as a performer, chadia continuously found themselves in stories that positioned them in a minstrel performance that fit a “respectable” or palatable version of blackness. 

Trying to survive as an artist has become about either paying the bills and succumbing to these transgressions against them, or taking the financial risk of investing their time into writing the underrepresented narratives. 

Narratives that chadia would love to perform as a black, queer, neurodivergent actor. They want work that challenges societal norms and their own values, instead of work that consistently has them teaching the “black experience” for the benefit of mostly white audiences. chadia realized that in order to work in an environment where they could thrive, be well paid, and create with artistic liberty appreciated for the complexity of what they had to offer, chadia had to create it for themselves.

They established their “one person company with no money” DISSRUPTIV THEATRE.In 2022, they wrote, produced, directed, designed and performed their show “NIGGAS IN PONTREAL: whose to blame” at Montreal Fringe. The cast was led by ALL Black femmes. 

 chadia is focused on creating, collaborating, and supporting works that instigate conversations and challenge societal norms.

A playwright, director, and singer, chadia also showcased their first play, “niggas in pontreal: whose to blame,” at MLTFringe in 2022, where they were the director, co-producer, and one of the performers. The play was nominated for three Frankie Awards, including Most Promising English Text, Best English Comedy, and Best English Production. Chadia continues to explore and contribute to the evolution of Canadian theatre, focusing on works that challenge and provoke thought.

Website : chadia.ca
Instagram : @dissruptivtheatre, @chadiaisdissruptiv