ARTIST

Makram Ayache is a Governor General Literary Award Finalist and award-winning playwright, performer, director, and producer based in Toronto. His playwriting explores representations of queer Arab voices and aims to bridge political struggles to the intimate experiences of the people impacted by them. Ayache was selected as one of six breakthrough artists in Toronto in the Toronto Star in 2023. His play, "The Hooves Belonged to the Deer" was selected as one of 10 best productions in Ontario in 2023 by the Globe and Mail and won an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for “Outstanding Independent Production” in Edmonton in 2023. Previously, His Governor General nominated play "The Green Line" (Downstage and Chromatic Theatre) garnered four Betty Mitchell Award Nominations, winning two including "Outstanding New Play."  Most recently, Ayache has written an adaption of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" titled "A Witch in Algiers" (Shakespeare in the Ruff). Alongside writing, Ayache directs, most recently directing the development showcase of "Small Gods the Musical” with Theatre Sheridan and Factory Theatre.  And he’s excited to be working with Vivek Shraya on his first graphic novel project, The Ballad of Rumi and Shams! Learn more here.

EDUCATOR

Ayache is trained as an educator from the University of Alberta, holding a Bachelor of Education. Currently, he facilitates 2SLGBTQIA+ (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual/Agender) through his consultation organization, Shajara, which works with organizations, collectives, and individuals to make meaningful change towards equity an anti-oppression. He has worked with organizations like the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Shakespeare in the Ruff, and The Canadian Theatre Critics Association. 

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He also has extensive experience in curricular design and development at the secondary, post-secondary, and community level of education. He has instructed at University of Waterloo, the 519 Church Street Community Center, and Workman Arts.  Much of his teaching philosophy is centered around an anti-oppressive and socially conscious pedagogy.

Explore work here.