Ahmed Moneka | Playwright | The Onion Cellar

For Driftwood: A (Musical) Midsummer Night’s Dream

About: Since arriving in Canada Toronto from Iraq Baghdad seven years ago, Ahmed’s contributions as a performing artist in music and theatre have been welcomed and notable. The scene has warmly embraced his Iraqi artistic heritage – his stories and songs – into its own growing cultural narrative.

Ahmed has been enriched through many collaborations including: Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper Theatre, Aga Khan Museum, Tafelmusik, Driftwood Theatre Group, TD Toronto Jazz festival, Kroner Hall, Modern Times Stage, Lula World, Jabari Dance Theatre and Tabula Rasa Theatre.

Ahmed is a founding member of Moskitto Bar and the creator and leader of Moneka Arabic Jazz (Stingray Rising Stars finalist, 2019 TD Toronto Jazz Festival). He’s been an Artist-in-residence with Driftwood Theatre Group, member of The Musical Stage Company and Prime Mover’s NoteWorthy program, and is a current member of the Soulpepper Academy.