Menka Nagrani

Menka Nagrani is a multidisciplinary artist who weaves together theatre, dance and music. As a performer, she has acted and danced in several venues including in the IV Jeux de la Francophonie, held in Lebanon. She studied contemporary and traditional forms of dance, explored several acting techniques, learned classical piano and participated in numerous choir ensembles. She completed a Master’s degree in Theatre at Université du Québec à Montréal.

Menka seeks unique and socially engaged artistic adventures. She founded Les Productions des pieds des mains in 2004, one of the very first inclusive dance theatre companies in Quebec. Her interdisciplinary creations are at the crossroad of experimental theatre and contemporary dance and also include other art forms such as singing, video or percussive dance. She as created numerous socially engaged and acclaimed productions both in Montreal (Tangente, Théâtre LaChapelle, Théâtre Prospero…) and internationally (France, Belgium, UK, Japan). She has also produced several short films acclaimed in international film festivals.

Menka was commissioned pieces for dance and theatre companies such as, Les Bordéliques, Bouge de là, Espace Forain, Le Collectif de folklore urbain Zogma and has worked as guest choreographer or theatre director for inclusive theatre companies such as Theatre Terrific (Vancouver), H’art Centre (Kingston), Hijinx Theatre (Wales), First Movement Centre, Together 2012 (UK), Compagnie de L’Oiseau-mouche, Théâtre du Cristal (France). A leader in teaching and integrating disabled artists, she is often invited to present at conferences and lead workshops around the world.

Menka has won several awards for her work: Cochons d’or, Prix Janine Sutto, Prix de la Commission des droits de la personne et de la jeunesse, Prix Essor, and a Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec Award for her artistic career. She was appointed Member of the order of Canada for her “extraordinary contribution to the Nation”.