ahdri zhina mandiela

mandiela
Smiling older person with short white hair and round sunglasses stands against a textured yellow wall, arms raised and hands clasped above their head. They wear a white shirt and a patterned scarf around their neck.

photo credit: HAUI


since stepping into the artistic arena as a green teen, throwing fist and heart up in the air at political rallies, i've worked as a poet dispatching: readings, performances, lectures, workshops around the world. and my continuing contributions as a theatre artist: renown. from a home-base in toronto/karonto, canada in 1991 i started the legendary b current performing arts and steered the company's growth as artistic director for twenty three of its still thriving years.
learn more about me
on this land: i give thanx every day for welcoming souls and caring hands,
within all the spaces i’m allowed to rest and activate respectful living;
with all the nations and islands and mass of peoples holding ground,
resting on this ancient turtle hearth…
meegwich and appreciation always

artist statement

delving into known and unfamiliar territories with humility and respect,
i believe we can bridge cultural divides and cultivate empathy and unity
in our shared journeys. through genuine engagement and thoughtful exploration,
we have the opportunity to celebrate diversity while honouring the authenticity
of each culture we encounter. it's crucial to forgo our tendency to stick
to the familiar and instead challenge ourselves to embrace the unknown...
full artist statement >
An older woman with short white hair smiles warmly, wearing a dark woven hat, patterned blouse, and shell earrings. She holds a smoking pipe outdoors, with green leaves and sunlight in the blurred background.

current work

what's happening now
A person with short, curly white hair smiles gently. They wear a blue scarf with white dots and a light shirt. The background is softly blurred, showing bookshelves and flowers. Warm lighting highlights their expressive eyes and calm demeanor.

past work

interdisciplinary
diasporic archive

a small window into the textures, people, and moments that shape my practice
Five women stand closely together at night, smiling and laughing. One holds a yellow “Steal Away Home” poster. They appear joyful and celebratory, illuminated against a dark background with subtle urban details and street signs.
A group of women in vibrant, layered costumes sing passionately on stage. Some have arms raised; expressions are intense. Blue and gold lighting adds drama, and the backdrop is dark with hanging fabric strips, evoking a powerful theatrical performance.
A person with short white hair sits on a yellow chair, smiling and crossing their legs. They wear a tan top, green pants, and a colorful scarf. Behind them is a mural featuring vibrant, expressive portraits. The background has exposed brick.
Seven people in dark clothing perform a dramatic movement sequence outdoors at night, linked arm to arm, appearing to be mid-dance. A woman in front wears a yellow sash. Steps, building windows, and bystanders are visible in the background.
Four Black women pose with serious expressions against a green backdrop. Overlay text reads “diaspora Dub” in neon green, slanted diagonally. Subtext: “A revisioning of currents first production. 25 years later.” Image uses strong green and black contrast.
A woman with painted face, ornate necklace, and red headwrap plays two drums. She is surrounded by draped colorful fabrics, hanging hats, dolls, and objects, all dramatically lit against a dark backdrop, creating a vibrant, artistic scene.
Five people stand together, smiling warmly. The central woman wears a headscarf, apron, and pink cardigan. Two stand beside her; one in a blue jacket, another in a yellow shirt. A person in red hugs her from the front, while the group shares a joyful, affectionate moment.

we used to

Featured Image

she used to

i met vera cudjoe almost 50 years ago — a few years after she …
4 min read
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my time with amah

(excerpt from a full article published in cpamo’s: Shifting Perspectives and Evolving Ways of …
2 min read
read more on my blog

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