• Created and performed by Ian Kamau
  • Co-creator Roger McTair

Written by Ian Kamau and his father Roger McTair, Loss is a live-arts, multi-media performance and installation that explores the trauma of loss in Afro-Caribbean communities. This intergenerational family story begins with Ian’s own winter of depression and slowly unravels the mystery surrounding the death of Ian’s paternal grandmother Nora Elutha Rogers.

© Loss
© Ian Kamau

Company

Ian Kamau is an artist and designer. He has released music projects, published writing, and was the founding executive director of Nia Centre for the Arts. He holds a Bachelor and Masters in Design, a Masters in Environmental Studies, is an associate artist at The Theatre Centre and Why Not Theatre, and currently works as an innovation designer. His interests include actualization, arts and culture, critical city building, strategy, and psychology. 

Creative team

  • Created and performed by Ian Kamau
  • Co-creator Roger McTair
  • Filmmaker Tiffany Hsuing
  • Video Designer Jeremy Mimnagh
  • Composer Bruce Rusell
  • Set Design Javid Jah
  • Producer Aislinn Rose
  • Producer Rachel Penny

National Creation Fund investment

The National Creation Fund’s investment of $100,000 makes it possible for Ian and the creative team to develop a more ambitious design for the work, with production values that are more commonly found in large-scale concert experiences. This includes a more immersive and dynamic integration of Tiffany Hsuing’s film, and additional development of the show’s accompanying installation. 

Credits

Loss is being developed as a part of The Theatre Centre’s Residency Program. 

Toronto Arts Council 

Ontario Arts Council 

Canada Council for the Arts 

BMO – Through The Theatre Centre’s Residency Program 

Developed with support from the National Arts Centre's National Creation Fund

Past performances

Presented by Luminato Jun 14 - Jun 18, 2023 Harbourfront Centre Theatre (Toronto)