The Essential Service of Art

Through this performance of fast-paced, lyrical, and cleverly-written spoken word poetry, Omari Newton describes how art transformed his life and how it plays a vital role in all our lives. Omari Newton is an award-winning professional artist and a senior instructor at The Vancouver Film School. As a writer, his original Hip Hop theatre piece Sal Capone has received critical acclaim and multiple productions, including a recent presentation at Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC). The play’s sequel is set to open at the NAC in 2022. Omari’s work in Speakeasy Theatre's production of Young Jean Lee's The Shipment earned him a 2017-2018 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor, as well as a nomination for Best Direction. Most recently, Omari has recurring roles as Nate on Corner Gas (the animated series) and as Corvus in Netflix’s new hit animated series The Dragon Prince.