About the show

  • Show concept

    RECLAIMED! is a comedic storytelling show that features first-person, funny, and true stories by BIPOC storytellers with roots in places that were once colonized. These stories are 10 minutes long and focus on one of five themes from breaking generational curses to making bold, new moves.

What we did

  • Our first show

    RECLAIMED! was launched in July 2025 at the Origin Arts Centre (Ottawa). That first show included stories from: Amen Jafri, Debbie Ogunba, Barbara Ramirez, Dawn Xanklin (Producer), and Rose-Ingrid Benjamin. It was hosted by Sarah St-Fleur.

    In 2025, we issued a public call on social media for people to share a funny, true story under set themes. The lineup was selected from these responses.
    (Promo: designed by Dawn Xanklin Comedy)

    Event poster with headshots of host and the storytellers

  • Grateful acknowledgement

    Dawn Xanklin Comedy gratefully acknowledges financial support from the City of Ottawa on this project. Additional funding for RECLAIMED! was provided by Dawn Xanklin Comedy. This enabled us to hire stage management, photography, DJ, and videography services. RECLAIMED! launched to a sold-out audience on July 25, 2025.
    (Video still: Blackman Photography)

    Performer shares her story from the stage, in front of a full audience.

  • A full house

    The pilot edition of RECLAIMED! filled the venue and brought together an audience excited to hear stories rarely told on stage. The next edition is planned in Summer 2026.
    (Video still: Blackman Photography)

    Host gestures to the venue entrance

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