Project Qyzra

A playwright tries to piece together her friend's immigration case.

A teacher grapples with the loss of her favourite student.

An immigration officer must confront the consequences of her decision.

Project Qyzra is an in-development solo show based on events that transpired in London ON in 2013. It explores themes of institutional silence, disability and collective accountability.

Development History

2020

Initial research and development with director / dramaturg Megan Watson (funded by Ontario Arts Council)

Project Qyzra is a finalist for the Cayle Chernin Award

2021

Digital reading at University of Toronto’s Forum of Original Theatre / Theory / Thought (panel on Disability, Institutions, and Community Engaged Performance)

2023-24

Studio residency (funded by OAC) at the Grand Theatre to workshop Project Qyzra, culminating in community reading

2024

Project Qyzra is a finalist for The de Groot Foundation’s LANDO grant

2025

King’s University College (Western University) hosts a reading for their Disability Studies program

A white woman speaks at a microphone beside a pile of white fileboxes
A white woman speaks at a microphone beside a pile of white fileboxes

Media Coverage

A cardboard file box with Project Qyzra written on it and a Canadian flag sticking out under the lid
A cardboard file box with Project Qyzra written on it and a Canadian flag sticking out under the lid
CBC Radio London

Listen to Ellen's interview

London Free Press

"A decade on, new play revisits heartbreaking London family tragedy"

Testimonials

"Not only does Project Qyzra honour the family we lost in London, but it pushes audiences to engage with important questions around humanity, justice and the obligation to provide care." 

Jeffrey Preston, PhD

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Disability Studies

King’s University College at Western University

”For too long, stories like Qyzra's have been reduced to mere headlines, diminishing the humanity of those involved. I am confident Ellen is on the right path to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard.”

Hibaq Abdi

MSW, RSW, BSW, OCGC(MKM), BA(MIT)

Disability Advocate / Founder of Ontario Without Barriers

“A thought-provoking play and a beautiful tribute to Qyzra and the people in her life.”

Jennifer O'Brien

Award-winning journalist who covered the Walji case

A selection of blue, yellow and pink cue cards with writer's notes are taped to a white wall
A selection of blue, yellow and pink cue cards with writer's notes are taped to a white wall
A young woman balances on a metal shelving unit, extending her limbs out and looking at the camera
A young woman balances on a metal shelving unit, extending her limbs out and looking at the camera
A selection of blue, yellow and pink cue cards with writer's notes are taped to a white wall
A selection of blue, yellow and pink cue cards with writer's notes are taped to a white wall

This project has received critical funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.