Weyni Mengesha, Stage Director

Weyni Mengesha is a stage and screen director known for her groundbreaking work and community engagement. She currently serves as the artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre and has directed critically acclaimed productions nationally and internationally, including ‘da kink in my hair, Kim’s Convenience, A Streetcar Named Desire, Queen Goneril, and Power of Sail. Her work has received several awards including two NAACP nominations,  Dora Awards (Toronto), Drama League (NY), and Drama Critics Circle (LA). In 2024, she was recognized with the Trailblazer Award and the Top 25 Women Of Influence Award in Canada. 

Weyni is also a committed educator, mentor, and a producer of youth arts initiatives. She was the artistic director of the Artists Mentoring Youth Project for seven years. In addition to Soulpepper, she has taught at the National Theatre School of Canada and the Canadian Film Centre. She is incredibly honoured to be working on this show.