DOWNSTAIRS CABARET THEATRE

Grade 8

From the Toronto Fringe Festival comes a heartwarming story of a father’s journey, trying to raise his daughter, while reconciling his own experiences with women. Told through monologue and the Spoken Word, Grade 8 is a heartwarming and charming roller coaster ride of emotions.

"In this heartrending and heartwarming autobiographical solo show, Dwayne Morgan details his struggles raising his young daughter after tragedy suddenly makes him a single dad... a compelling story [told with] captivating delivery skills that sometimes sees [Morgan] seamlessly build into intense rhyming sections. Beyond the heartache lies a whole host of parenting challenges he outlines with equal doses of affable humour and earnest seriousness: helping his daughter (who’s heading into Grade 8) deal with body issues, sexism, homework, sexting and all the other awkward problems that come with puberty. Part raw confessional, part inspirational parenting seminar, Morgan’s story is a hidden gem that hits you right in the heart. Pack lots of Kleenex; there was nary a dry eye in the house." - NOW Magazine

"...rhythmic, socially relevant, emotionally powerful and entrancing... The show is funny, poignant and wise... Morgan has that certain something that the best solo artists possess, the enviable capability of holding an audience in his spell within a new plane of reality spun out of words. The turns of phrase, the poetics and the visuals evoked by Morgan’s words are remarkable." - Mooney on Theatre

"Dwayne Morgan’s one-man show is an impressive soul baring confession about the trials  of raising a daughter alone. Morgan’s flow is tight and solid, and when his monologue transforms into rap, the mercury rises; his powerful energy shines huge. This piece is intelligent, funny, and honestly performed. Highly recommended." - View Magazine