Oct 11, 2018
By Michael Kramer
Soulpepper Theatre Company has enlisted an award-winning Canadian theatre artist – as its new artistic director.
She’s Weyni Mengesha, a Vancouver-born, Toronto-bred director now based in Los Angeles.
Mengesha takes over as Soulpepper emerges from the fallout of sexual harassment allegations against co-founder Albert Schultz – who stepped down as artistic director in January – vowing to vigorously defend himself in a lawsuit filed by four actresses. All parties said in August that they had reached an out-of-court settlement – but no terms have been disclosed.
Mengesha’s ties to Soulpepper stretch back to 2006-2008 when she was a member of the company’s training program.
The Dora-award winner went on to direct hit productions including 2008’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” as well as “da Kink in My Hair” in Toronto and London – and 2012’s box office hit “Kim’s Convenience.”
She’ll assume her post next January and says the challenge now for Soulpepper is finding a way to move forward.
Mengesha says the key is to be clear about the company’s values and to ensure safety in the workplace – and to welcome diverse voices.
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