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Photo collage featuring three Black people. The woman, wearing a black & white striped tunic dress, gazes upwards, head tilted back, as she stands between two men. The man on the left is dressed in a suit, gazing at us, a nighttime city skyline behind him. The man on the right wears an open print shirt over a dark tank top, gazing upward, a night sky bursting with fireworks and staves of music behind him.
Photo collage featuring three Black people. The woman, wearing a black & white striped tunic dress, gazes upwards, head tilted back, as she stands between two men. The man on the left is dressed in a suit and stands behind a set of law books as he gazes at us, a nighttime city skyline behind him. The man on the right wears an open print shirt over a dark tank top, playing a guitar as he gazes upward, a night sky bursting with fireworks and staves of music behind him.

A deeply human play A deeply human play

What do you sacrifice when you make the safe choice?

Home Events Performance Black Westward Productions presents: Black Butterfly

Black Westward Productions presents: Black Butterfly

Six performances only – Wednesday, June 17 to Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Black Westward Productions presents Black Butterfly. A bold, emotionally charged play that explores identity, love and self-discovery. This powerful production combines dynamic Afrobeat rhythms, contemporary choreography and compelling storytelling to bring Black voices and culture to life on stage. Presented at Theatre Passe Muraille.

When the drums play, the truth comes out

Set in a city alive with music, firelight and desire, Black Butterfly follows Laide – a young woman standing at the edge of a choice that will change everything. On one side, Timi: polished, powerful, everything her family has been waiting for. On the other, Chiwetel: a musician who sees her in a way no one else ever has. When they meet at the Festival of Light – amid fire dancers, drumbeats and a night that refuses to stay quiet – something shifts. And once it shifts, there is no going back.

Some stories don’t ask for your attention – they take it

Black Butterfly is a full-scale theatrical experience featuring an original score rooted in Afrobeats and West African tradition, breathtaking live choreography and a story that asks: What do you give up when you choose the safe thing? Black Butterfly is an immersive experience that draws you deep into a story of courage, struggle and triumph. You won’t just watch it. You’ll laugh, gasp and feel it in your chest long after the curtain falls.

Read about the creation of this production here.

About Black Westward Productions

Black Westward Productions is a dynamic, creative, non-profit arts organization based in Toronto, Canada. They are dedicated to amplifying Black stories through compelling theatre, film and live performances. Their mission is to celebrate and preserve the richness of Black culture by producing thought-provoking narratives that inspire and engage diverse audiences. By fostering artistic excellence, representation and community engagement, they provide a platform for Black creatives to thrive and share their stories with the world. Read more about their mission and vision here.

Photo collage featuring three Black people. The woman, wearing a black & white striped tunic dress, gazes upwards, head tilted back, as she stands between two men. The man on the left is dressed in a suit and stands behind a set of law books and a bronze scale he gazes at us, a nighttime city skyline behind him. The man on the right wears an open print shirt over a dark tank top, playing a guitar as he gazes upward, a night sky bursting with fireworks and staves of music behind him and dancing figures below.

(Photo credits: Black Westward Productions. Black Butterfly. Anthony Ighomuaye, Temilade Olalemi & Emmanuel Onogbeye. Photo by EbbyPixel.)

 

Event details

Presented by: Black Westward Productions

Type of event: theatre performance

Written & directed by: Ebby A

Music direction by: Lauren Lafayette Brooks

Cast: Temilade Olalemi, Emmanuel Onogbeye, Demi Olalemi, Anthony Ighomuaye, Faith Momoh, Fikayo Adetumbi, Faith Israel, Joseph Yeboah, Ron Naiman, Tyanna C & Tobi Adeosun

Dates & start times:

  • Wednesday, June 17 @ 7:30 PM ET (opening night)
  • Thursday, June 18 @ 8:00 PM ET
  • Friday, June 19 @ 2:30 PM ET & 8:00 PM ET
  • Saturday, June 20 @ 8:00 PM ET
  • Sunday, June 21 @ 2:30 PM ET

Duration: 100 minutes (no intermission)

Cost: There will be a C$3.00 per ticket booking fee.

  • Early bird (ends May 22): C$35.00
  • General admission: C$45.00
  • For groups of four or more: C$30.00 (use code ‘Group’)

Location: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2P3, Canada

Trailer: Watch the trailer.

Booking link: Book your tickets here.

Contact details: Black Westward Productions, blackwestward@gmail.com, blackwestward.com

 

Content warning: Haze.

Accessibility: An automatic door opener can be found at the entrance to the right of the main set of double doors. There are dips in the sidewalk to access the sidewalk in front of the building. One is on the northwest corner of Ryerson Ave. and Wolseley Ave., and the other is in front of the exterior doors to the Backspace Theatre. Access the general Theatre Passe Muraille Access Guide here. If you need help getting to or accessing the theatre, please contact the Box Office at (416) 504-7529.