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"Universal themes from sharply drawn characters the world passes on the streets but rarely stops to listen to."
NBC TV
New York
"The play danced with humor and originality. The writing and performances were life-affirming. I felt embraced by the show with its compassionate story-telling and trilling images. Trey Anthony and her cast have a genuine hit on their hands."
Layne Coleman
Artistic Director, Theatre Passe Muraille
"This show was new and fresh and full of emotions… I laughed till I almost cried… and then I cried. These performers are SO talented. What a fabulous afternoon! Although I am a white woman who grew up in Chicago, I could understand and relate to their stories. The play isn't just for black women who live in Toronto… this is a story everyone should hear… Thank you for bringing new blood to the Theatre world."
Beth Hawkins
Audience Member
trey anthony is a black queer activist, playwright, comedian and actor.
She was born in England and currently resides in Toronto, Canada. She wrote the hit play 'da Kink in my Hair, which played to sold-out audiences at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. 'Da Kink features an all black female cast and is rooted in issues central to black womyn's lives. 'Da Kink is about creating a new voice in theatre. And now, 'da Kink television series is currently in development for CBC television and Vision Television. MORE
Why I write...
"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
When I began writing 'da Kink, I was desperately afraid. I was in inner turmoil. I was ending a seven-year relationship. I was questioning my life, my friends, my family, my identity and myself. Writing offered me a place to try and work out what was going on in my head and in my life. I was also making the transition from perming my hair to going natural. I was afraid to cut off my hair and start again, so I wore braids, a curly weave, etc. All in the hopes that my hair would somehow be the way I wanted it to be. Healthy, strong, and beautiful. I knew there was work to be done, yet I was not ready to look at the real me.
After doing the Toronto Fringe Festival and the Nova Scotia Fringe Festival, and having womyn rush up to me and tell me how much the 'da Kink had effected them I knew I needed to do something but I didn't know what. Audiences were empowered because they could relate to the character's pain in 'da Kink, but also receive strength and affirmation that many womyn daily confront and survive these experiences. I wanted to sit in the front row of my own show so I too could feel empowered, yet I was afraid of what I might see.
I was now texturizing my hair. My belief was that this wasn't as damaging to my hair as perming it. In my own life I was still hanging on to people, behaviours and patterns which I knew were not good for me. Still I was too afraid to "cut them/it off." One morning I got up and looked in the mirror. I looked defeated, tired and scared. My hair felt dry and brittle, it had started to break. I knew I had to do it. I went to the barber and told him to cut it off! My damaged, over-processed hair fell to the floor. I was bald! I looked in the mirror and wondered who this womyn was. This new me… I was happy! I felt reborn! There was nothing I could hide from! There I was, bald, nappy and black! I felt good! I became more confident! Refusing to take shit! The world responded to me differently as a black bald womyn. Some people gave me nods of approval. While some people questioned my sanity! Relatives cried about my "mannish" appearance. It amazed me how my hair, or the lack of hair could make people react. Yet I knew I was different! I started to clean house! I got rid of people who were toxic. Limited or ceased interactions with family members who were not emotionally nurturing or available. I set boundaries. I began to look myself in the eye.
While my hair and life was transitioning, I was still in the process of rewriting and changing 'da Kink. 'da Kink is now finally at a place where I feel happy. Yet 'da Kink did not get to this place on its own. There are many people who have contributed their love, sweat, tears, talent and energy to 'da Kink.
I will be forever grateful to you. In the same way in my own life there have been people who have given me the courage to go on. Those who have bravely and gently lifted me when I stumbled or was too tired or too afraid to walk the journey on my own. Those who have loved me when I felt unlovable. Those who were unafraid when I was afraid. I will be forever grateful for your courage and love.
I am finally now at a place where I feel calmer, more peaceful and relaxed, happier, and wiser. I am less afraid. I feel that I have to capture this energy inside of me, so I can always retreat to that place when needed. My hair is now short, and frames my face. Sometimes I love my hair, sometimes I dislike it but I am learning to be gentle with myself and less harsh. My self journey, the journey with my own hair, and the journey with 'da Kink are parallel. Maybe even the same journey…
There were times that I felt I could not go on. There were times when I laughed until my stomach ached. There were times that I hid. I lied. There were times when I was bold and truthful. Times when I cried until I was sure there could not possibly be any tears left. Yet there were times that I knew I had no other choice but to continue and trust that I would be able to do this…. Be able to live my life with truth, honesty and without fear. I use 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 realize this is a continued journey and everyday I am challenged to try and be the best person that I can be. And I know and understand that not everyone will like me. And not everyone will agree with the choices and decisions that I have made. And not everyone will understand why I do what I do. However, I must remain committed to being less afraid. Committed to standing in my truth. Be committed to be rooted in my truth.
Blessings,
trey