X and Da Spirit

February 4 to 11, 2023

Runtime: approximately 45 minutes (playing after Okay, you can stop now, with runtime of 45min)

X is an unassuming Black man. That is until he encounters a mural beneath a bridge, where ‘da Spirit of the Struggle’ transmits the knowledge of Black resistance to him in an instant. Now he must find his place in the Struggle, guided by an artist, MC, who challenges X’s understanding of the movement and the personal consequences of activism.

“That invitation resonates beyond the theatre and demands to be heard.” 

— Karen Fricker, Toronto Star

“Every element of this production was simply stunning, an absolute must see.” 

— Armon Ghaeinizadeh, Intermission Magazine

This show is inspired by artist Donovan Hayden’s experiences during the massive Black Lives Matter protests that stretched around the globe since 2020, and his continued involvement in the movement. A Patron’s Pick production at the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival, X and Da Spirit is a celebration of Toronto Blackness, resistance, and community through rap, dance, graffiti, music and spoken word.