Henna - حِنّا

02/22/2025

Newcomers in Ontario play an important role in shaping our economic prosperity and strengthening the diverse and rich culture of Ontario. As new voters, they will be heading to the polls this month to cast their votes. Voting might be a new experience for first-time voters here in Canada; however, the lack of access to meaningful and accessible civic engagement efforts especially during elections can create gaps. According to Elections Canada, research shows that some groups of first-time electors have more barriers and tend to vote less than the general Canadian population. There is a need for more creative and accessible training and workshop opportunities to ensure new voters are prepared and confident to cast their votes during elections.

Hanen Nanaa - Preparing New Canadians for the Provincial Election

02/22/2025

يلعب الوافدون/ات الجدد، الذين سيتوجّهون هذا الشهر إلى صناديق الاقتراع كناخبين جدد، دوراً هاماً في تعزيز ازدهار الاقتصاد والثقافة المتنوعة والغنية في أونتاريو. ولأن عملية التصويت قد تشكل تجربة جديدة لهم هنا في كندا؛ يجدر القول إنه يمكن لنقص جهود التعريف بالمشاركة المدنية الهادفة خلال الانتخابات أن يخلق فجوات في المشاركة. وفقاً للأبحاث التي أجرتها هيئة الانتخابات الكندية، فإن بعض الفئات من الناخبين لأول مرة قد تواجه عوائق قد تُثنيها عن الإدلاء بأصواتها مقارنة بغيرهم من سكان كندا. لذلك ثمة حاجة إلى المزيد من فرص التدريب وورشات العمل لضمان جهوزية الناخبين الجدد وزيادة ثقتهم واستعدادهم للإدلاء بأصواتهم.

حنان نعناع - مشاركة الكنديين الجُدد في انتخابات المقاطعة

01/31/2025

This Thursday, Feb 6th, Gamal Mansour will be talking about his visit to Syria to understand the recent developments after the fall of 54 year brutal dictatorship of Assad. Where from, where to, and what to do?

Location: Jackman Humanity Building, University of Toronto. Room 100

This event is a collaboration between Henna Platform and University of Toronto’s NMC.

See you there

11/12/2024

🌟 Thank You 🌟

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in our three live full-house performances. Your presence and support brought immense strength and hope to our message.

We are confident and excited to do more shows. Stay tuned for more exciting events and performances.

Photos by:

Creative Team:
Poets: &
Musicians: &
Director: .meree
Stage Manager:
Lightning Designer:
Graphic Design:
Photography:

11/10/2024

11/10/2024

Final Curtain Call! 🌟

Just a heads-up that the last performance of Mafaza is on Sunday, Nov 10th, at 2:00 PM.

It’s been an incredible journey, and we want you to be part of this special moment. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

11/09/2024

🌟 Meet the Lighting Designer of MAFAZA: Chris Malkowski! 🌟

We are thrilled to introduce Chris Malkowski, our brilliant lighting designer for MAFAZA. Based in Toronto, Canada, Chris has an impressive portfolio, having designed lights for over 100 productions across dance, drama, opera, musical theatre, art installations, and live events.

Chris’s work has illuminated stages at prestigious venues such as the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Vancouver Opera, Soulpepper Theatre, and Canadian Stage. His talent has also shone on international festival stages in Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland) and North Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco).

Recent productions by Chris include:

Microphone Controller (Dance Made in Canada Festival)
King Lear (Stratford Festival)
Chitra (Shaw Festival)
HMS Pinafore (Vancouver Opera)
Face to Face (Naishi Wang)
Gloria (ARC / Crow’s Theatre)
Waves of Flesh (Staats Berlin Ballett / Komische Oper Berlin)
AF (Canadian Stage/Red Sky Performance)
Suitcase (Theatre Passe Muraille)
Pass Over (Obsidian Theatre)
Black Drum (Deaf Cultural Centre / Soulpepper)
Chris is a full member of the Associated Designers of Canada IATSE Local 659 and is represented by Catalyst TCM Inc.



Join us in celebrating the incredible work of Chris Malkowski and stay tuned for the magic he brings to MAFAZA! ✨

11/08/2024

🌟 Meet Ahmad Meree, Director of Mafaza 🌟

Ahmad Meree is a talented Syrian Canadian actor, playwright, director, and producer. A graduate of the Higher Institute of Theatre Arts in Cairo, Ahmad has made significant contributions to the world of theatre. He won the Best Actor Award at the Central Theatre Festival in Syria (2008), directed Ionesco’s The Lesson in Egypt, and received the Best Director Award for Chekhov’s The Bear at Cairo’s Festival of International Theatre (2013).

In 2016, Ahmad came to Canada as a refugee and now resides in Toronto, ON. His creative journey continued in Canada, where he has wrote and produced several acclaimed plays, including Suitcase and Adrenaline. These plays have toured nationally, with performances at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ON, Victoria, BC, and Summerland, BC, as well as internationally in Tunisia, Egypt, and Oman. Adrenaline earned a Dora Outstanding Touring Production nomination in 2020. Additionally, Suitcase/Adrenaline was published in book form by Scirocco Drama.

As the director of Mafaza, Ahmad brings his unique vision and insightful storytelling to the project, inviting audiences to explore deep reflections on survival and hope.

The show will be presented in both Arabic and English.

Ahmad Meree

Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of Ahmad Meree and his contributions to the arts. To book your ticket, link in bio.

# events

11/07/2024

🎭 Behind the Scenes at Mafaza! 🎭

🌟 The Stage is Set! 🌟

We’re thrilled to give you a sneak peek behind the scenes as our incredible team puts the finishing touches on the stage for Mafaza. The scenography team has been working tirelessly to create a stunning set that will transport you into the heart of our story.

Swipe through to witness the magic unfold! ✨

With just one day left until our first show, the excitement is building! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. The stage is ready, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.

🎟️ Get your tickets now from the link in our bio and be part of this incredible event! 🎟️

📅 Date: 8,9 &10 Nov 📍 Location: Theatre Passe Muraille

Let’s come together and reflect on what it means to survive and thrive in today’s world. See you there! 🌍✨

11/07/2024

🎬 ONLY ONE DAY LEFT! 🎬

🌟 Experience the Magic of the Mafaza Show! 🌟

The wait is almost over! Tomorrow, we bring you the enchanting world of Mafaza. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey filled with poetry, music, and deep reflections on survival and hope. This unique performance promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience. With a captivating blend of poetry and music, the show will leave you deeply moved and reflective.

🎟️ Secure your tickets now from the link in our bio and be part of this unforgettable event! 🎟️

📅 Date: 8,9 &10 Nov 📍 Location: Theatre Passe Muraille

Join us as we explore what it truly means to survive and thrive in today’s world. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌍✨