Select Press
for ‘mashup pon di road’ by bahia watson. world premiere in Little Jamaica, July 2023, Toronto.
from CBC: Mashup Pon Di Road is a 'bashment circus variety show' bringing joy to Little Jamaica on a big truck
“The first time I saw Bahia Watson and Liza Paul share the stage, I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and tears came to my eyes. It was well over a decade ago and they were performing an early version of their first critically acclaimed and globally celebrated production pomme is french for apple. The two are back this week with Mashup Pon Di Road, a meeting ground between the circus, Caribbean carnival culture and vaudeville traditions that all takes place on a massive truck.
As individuals, they are formidable artists. Watson is one of the most critically acclaimed and in-demand actors working today (you may have seen her in Star Trek: Discovery or The Handmaid's Tale) and Paul is the Associate Artistic Director at The Theatre Centre, one of the most boundary-pushing theatrical institutions in the city. However, when they join forces, they are in a league entirely their own — crafting out a space of innovation, comedy and fun that is simultaneously politically subversive and powerfully uplifting. “ [excerpt of article written by Amanda Parris]
for the role of Bess in ‘The Virgin Trial’. written by Kate Hennig. world premiere at the Stratford Festival 2017.
from The Globe and Mail:
"The Virgin Trial has a great, complex central character in Bess – a real break-out role for the underrated and totally original actress Watson. She has a girlish voice, but brings tremendous nuance to it – and, like the inquisitors, you may find yourself wondering whether her Bess is innocent or just skilled at playing innocent."
from Toronto Star:
"In this complex whodunit, the biggest mystery that Hennig explores is Bess herself, as played by Watson with an extraordinary combination of vulnerability and steel. Who can this young woman trust? Can we trust her? As Bess matures before our eyes, the bond between her and Catholic, tightly strung Mary is tested. The scenes between Watson and Farb are the production’s strongest, full of ironic humour as well as a very moving current of compassion."
from Stratford Beacon Herald:
"Watson is superb as Bess who, though speaking in an almost girlish voice, effortlessly glides through moments of supposed youthful naivety and sharply contrasting stretches of revealing dialogue, using physical movements to showcase her growing grasp of manipulative adult guile."
for the role of Masha in ‘The Seagull’. written by Anton Chekhov. produced by the Canadian Stage 2015.
from The Globe and Mail:
"For my money, the performance that most captures that tone comes from relative newcomer Bahia Watson, whose Masha is lovably ludicrous and entirely original. Masha is a young woman in love with the tragically ridiculous artist Konstantin, son of Arkadina, and pursued by the comically sensible Medvedenko. Watson has so many funny physical moments of existential extravagance, flopping about like a rag doll and giddily doing shots, but hits it on the head right away with the way she delivers her famous first line. “I’m in mourning for my life – I’m unhappy,” she says, but adds a very modern upward inflection that turns the statement into a question, the big question..."
from Mooney on Theatre:
"...especially, Bahia Watson ... interjecting a casual “fuck-you” into a story set in the countryside, far from Moscow, 135 years ago. It could have been today. Watson’s Masha, bored while sporting John Lennon glasses, was a highlight."
for ‘pomme is french for apple’. written by and starring bahia watson and liza paul. produced by paul watson productions.
from Fringe Biscuit:
"Original, daring, and outrageously funny is how we’re describing pomme is french for apple. The sketch comedy show from Canadian actor/writer duo Liza Paul and Bahia Watson, is like nothing we’ve seen at this year’s fringe – a unique blend of clever slapstick and witty writing, discussing intimate details of womanhood from a West Indian perspective."
from The Globe and Mail:
"Paul tends to be the sweet, staid foil to Watson, who takes on the brassier roles. The boyish actress does a hilarious turn as a Bible-thumping preacher whose overheated imagery conflates sexual and religious ecstasy. And she also sets your head spinning as a traditional West Indian mother who launches into a tirade on the dangers of sex after her daughter (Paul) meekly asks if she can go on a date."
for the role of Telemachus in The Penelopiad. written by Margaret Atwood. produced by Nightwood Theatre.
"Bahia Watson is simply magical as Telemachus"- Toronto Star
"Bahia Watson is a delight as her son Telemachus" - National Post
"As Telemachus, Bahia Watson conveys all the impatience and frustration of an adolescent boy." - Stage Door
for the role of Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun. written by Lorraine Hansberry. produced by the Soulpepper Theatre Company.
"Newcomer Bahia Watson is fantastic as Beneatha, the sassy 20-year-old student and most educated of the Youngers. Watson alluringly conveys the sister Younger’s sarcasm and frustrations at being treated like an adolescent among a family of adults. She continues to impress when her character takes a dramatic turn, after Walter decides the fate of the tuition money." - Sway Magazine