Living Room Series – Where My People At? A Black Artists & Industry Workers’ Salon

About the Living Room Series

Several times a year, Rumble hosts the Living Room, a gathering for the artistic community to get together and talk about what’s going on. All of it. It’s a great opportunity to connect, network, and share news in a casual and fun environment. Refreshments are served. (That’s for the mingling….mingling snacks.)

So listen, think, speak. Be welcome. Expect creative contributions around provocative ideas, and some good laughs.

More info here!

April 27, 2026 – Where My People At? A Black Artists & Industry Workers’ Salon

Calling all Artists of the Black/African diaspora! We’d love to connect with you! 

Rumble Theatre in collaboration with GVPTA and host, Adonis King, invite Black artists and cultural workers to Where My People At? A Black Artists & Industry Workers’ Salon. Happening Monday, April 27 at 7:30 pm at Progress Lab (1422 William St.).  

How often have you heard that we’re “hard to find”? *eyeroll emojil* We know that the Black population is steadily growing in Vancouver, but how many of us still find it hard to find a Black artistic community? There is a long and significant history of Black Arts and excellence in BC. For instance, the widely known Hogan’s Alley was home to several influential Vancouver artists and athletes including Leonard Lane, Ernie King, Barbara Howard and the Gibson Siblings. The Sepia Players, Vancouver’s first Black theatre company, was founded in 1969! 

The community was here, and despite the city’s best efforts, we’re still here. So, come join us for an intergenerational Black Artist’s chat and hangout. Meet your elders and the next generation. Eat some food and deepen the bonds of our community as we explore the legacy of Black Arts in Vancouver; past, present and future. 

We will be joined by special guests; Celeste Insell, Siobhan Baker and Britany Buren. 

Doors will open a half hour early at 7 pm. Light food and refreshments will be provided. 

This is a FREE event and registration is required. 

Time: 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm)
Location: Progress Lab 1422 – Studio (1422 William St – map)
Tickets: Free Registration Here! (Capacity is limited, please RSVP ahead of time)

Got questions you want to bring to the Living Room? Fill out the Registration Form or email Alisha the day before with the Subject Line: Living Room Questions for April 27th, and the questions you have relevant to the theme.

About the Artists

Adonis Critter King is a queer, Black, trans and non-binary, inter-disciplinary artist, theatre creator, writer, director, producer, and dramaturg. Their work uses Afrofuturism and Afro-surrealism to explore the intersection of the divine and the mundane, technology and spirituality, horror and joy, to examine the change and sacrifices required for our personal and collective liberation.

Adonis was the 2016 Youth Poet Laureate of Victoria, received the 2020 Witness Legacy Award for Social Purpose and Responsibility Through Art, and the JAYMAC Outstanding Production Award (2025).

Celeste Insell was born in Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1950’s. Her family moved around but in the 1960’s they finally settled in the Bronx.

In her early twenties, she moved to Toronto and studied acting at Ryerson (TMU) and Drama Studies at York University. In the 1980’s, in Vancouver, Celeste landed a role in an Arts Club production; and was cast in a hit production of “For Colored Girls” at City Stage. In 1982, She was also cast in her first Principal speaking role in a made for TV movie performing in a scene with Bette Davis.

She has written plays and poetry; given spoken word performances; and organized community events. During the 1990’s she was active in the Black community; and helped found “Crossroads Theatre ”in the 1980’s (a multicultural theatre company) and was also an Associate Producer for a Sepia Players production called “A Double Bill”.

Siobhan Barker is a published, nationally recognized, and multiple award winning bilingual creative and performer honouring ancestral teachings of the Griot. Having worked in schools, festivals, and special events, they are celebrated as a mesmerizing storyteller that captivates audiences of any age. They have developed a groundbreaking ceremonial practice of opening events in recognizing and celebrating African ancestors across the diaspora. They are an expert consultant in equity, disability justice, accessibility measures, body liberation, and the Director of Hogan’s Alley Society Community Care; Housing, Culture & Land Stewardship Programs.

Britney Mocca is a Vancouver-based actor with 10+ years of experience in film and television. Her credits include High Potential, Upload, and Untamed. She trained at Capilano University and holds degrees in Psychology and Performing Arts. Britney also teaches at Arts Umbrella and is currently in fellowship training as a film programmer.