‘da Kink in my hair made it’s first full-length dramatic debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival in July 2001. The play was produced by Plaitform Entertainment which was trey’s production and entertainment company. The “buzz” was already on the street that this was the show to see! The show sold-out every night, with people lining up for hours ahead of the show to get tickets! Disappointed people were turned away nightly! The show was hailed by the Toronto Sun as the “Pick of the fringe!” The show also received a Critic’s pick by Now Magazine and was also selected as best cast ensemble. The show also boasted the highest ticket sales of all the shows in the Toronto Fringe Festival!

Due to the success of the Fringe, trey was asked by the Harbourfront Centre to remount the show again for its Black History, Kuumba Festival. All four shows sold out weeks ahead of the scheduled performances and the show received standing ovations every night.

In June of 2003 ‘da Kink was remounted at Theatre Passe Muraille. Again the show was a sold-out success, receiving standing ovations every night. The play received the highest box office sales in Theatre Passe Muraille’s history!

‘da Kink was selected by Mirvish Productions, Canada’s largest independent theatre producer of plays such as The Lion King, Hairspray and Mamma Mia!, for a six-week week run which began in January 2005, and which was extended several times, eventually closing at the end of April 2005. It was also the first Canadian play to be produced at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Playwright’s Notes

When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.

– Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider

Writing ‘da Kink in my hair, saved my life. Each one of the characters has some small part of me and my life embedded in their Voice. They became my Voice when I was too afraid too speak, too afraid to act, too afraid to question, too afraid to be loved, give love or demand to be treated gently, kindly, and with respect. The first draft of ‘da Kink was written four years ago, and I am thankful that I am now at a different place in my life. Yet these womyn’s Voices are always present within me. I have sat, dined, cried and laughed with these characters for many years. My writing has been my peace of mind, my own act of defiance to change the world in some small but significant way. I am braver in my writing; I am bold. Fierce. Demanding. Uncompromising. Uncensored. Writing allows me for a minute to stop the fears that continue to plague me in my daily life. The constant fears of not being good enough, worth enough, deserving enough.… Before writing ‘da Kink I used to live with my fears in solitude and I now realise that many people live their lives in a constant state of fear. That fear is usually fed, nurtured, expected and accepted. Usually when one tries to arise from fear, to be bold, honest, truer to self, many will discourage that. For myself it is a constant battle to live my life without fear and to be less afraid. There are times that my fear paralyses and silences me. Times when I look fear in the eye and laugh until my stomach aches. Times that I have hidden myself, feelings and thoughts because it is easier. Times that I have lied to myself and others because the truth would be much more difficult. Times when I cry until I am sure there could not possibly be any tears left. Yet there are many times when I am bold and truthful. And I know I have no other choice but to continue and trust that I must do this… Continue to write, question, and speak loudly. Be able to live my life with truth, honesty and without fear. I used to think that somehow I would reach a final fearless and peaceful destination and I could remain there. Somehow I would eventually be at a place and know this is “It”. I am finally here! Yet I now realise this is a continued journey and everyday I am challenged to try and be the best person that I can be. I must remain committed to being less afraid. Committed to standing in my truth. Be committed to be rooted in my truth.