Ugly Black Woman

Written and Created by Nicky Lawrence

A STUNNING MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE

Nicky Lawrence amplifies and elevates Black Female Voices through original song and true storytelling.

Ugly Black Woman uplifts, illuminates and elevates Black women, cementing their legacies amongst the most respected and revered Canadians celebrated throughout history. Starring Nicky Lawrence featuring Karena Evans (God’s Plan, Nice for What , Drake , Everyday Life Coldplay) Kelly Fyffe-Marshall (Black Bodies, OMI, When Morning Comes- official TIFF selection) Ravyn Wngz (BLM-TO, ILL NANA/DiverseCity Dance Company) Olunike Adeliyi (Workin’ Moms, The Porter, Iron Mike, Revenge of the Black Best Friend) and new comer Max Amani. A thoughtful collection of individual and group interviews, combined with Nicky’s live unflinching storytelling from the stage, UBW illuminates the screen. Reverential in its exploration of centuries old oppressions faced by Black women, Ugly Black Woman extrapolates the inner workings of the culture, treatment and portrayal of Black women throughout media, entertainment and ultimately life. Meaningful uplifting conversations undulate between these successful Black women and folk who seek to forge a new path, deepening the audience’s understanding of what it means to be a Black woman today.

“As comes through loud and clear in this superb one woman performance, it is clearly wearying to be a Black woman. Also articulated in no uncertain terms is the beauty, strength, wisdom and self-empowerment that Black women possess. Ugly Black Woman is not to be missed.”

- Rob Bowman, York University Professor, Ethnomusicology, Grammy Award Winner

“Nicky's ability to draw you in is a testament to her incredible storytelling, beautiful voice and willingness to share her most amazing and also most painful moments with us. Ugly Black Woman is in a word...BEAUTIFUL!!!”

- Sterling Jarvis, “The Lion King, Lost Girl, Suits, Book of Mormon”

“Ugly Black Woman shakes you... This pain is given a platform... for the past and present to heal publicly with a fortified union among Black women. I've never felt so seen and loved.”

- Olunike Adeliyi “The Porter, Workin’ Moms, Iron Mike”

“I was mesmerized by her vocal abilities, both as a storyteller and singer. It’s an experience you won’t forget.”

- Ted Woloshyn, News Talk 1010 CFRB

“Ugly Black Woman was outstanding...This show is a satisfying and entertaining triumph.”

- Dalmar Abuzeid, “Anne With an E”