Ngozi Paul
Beauty in authenticity
Actress
Writer
Director
Producer
Founder of Emancipation Arts and FreeUp!
At home in the world's most multicultural city
Born and raised in Toronto by Caribbean parents who were active in immigrant communities, Ngozi's upbringing created the foundation for her work as a social and cultural innovator.
Ngozi's early passion for the craft was encouraged by her high school drama teacher.
She continues work in Toronto, attracting significant investment and talent from abroad, enriching the city.
The FreeUp! Emancipation Day Festival is slated for its first major event in the city since the pandemic began. In 2023, we'll gather thousands of Canadians to celebrate freedom!
… and around the world
Ngozi works on projects in Los Angeles, Montreal, Vancouver, New York, as well as various locations in Africa and Europe
Ngozi has traveled the world extensively in both personal and professional capacities, most notably as a global ambassador for Because I’m A Girl and the Steven Lewis Foundation.
Classically trained
With academic roots in the prestigious Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre, Ngozi began her acting career on stage at the Stratford Festival of Canada.
'da Kink in My Hair
Following the groundbreaking and successful run of the theatre production 'da Kink in My Hair, Ngozi co-created, executive produced, and starred in the television series of the same name.
On stage
Highlights include
- Her in A&R Angels
(directed by Chris Abraham at Crow's Theatre) - Julia in Fernando Krapp Wrote Me This Letter: An Attempt at the Truth
(directed by Matthew Jocelyn at Canadian Stage) - Lovely in The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely
(directed by d'bi young anitafrika at Factory Theatre, and Zack Russell at Crow's Theatre)
The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely
Ngozi's play The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely — which she penned and in which she starred — was nominated for six Dora awards and won Outstanding New Play.
This hilarious and evocative tale weaves Paul’s personal stories with the story of Sarah Baartman (aka The Venus Hottentot) in a transcontinental allegory on the black woman’s multitudinous identity.
The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely prompted Toronto’s Now Magazine to write, “The magnetic Paul holds every moment onstage in a fierce, funny and moving performance.”
Film acting
Ngozi has been cast opposite Oscar Nominees Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Talk to Me and in The Whistleblower with Oscar Award winner Rachel Weisz.
Emancipation Arts
Emancipation Arts produces innovative, evocative, and compelling content that showcases the diversity of human experience.
FreeUp!
FreeUp! celebrates freedom, bringing together people to explore “What does freedom mean to you?”
Currently…
Ngozi currently has a docu-series on-air entitled Care for Color and is in advanced development of The 1st Time Project, a multi-platform documentary exploring female sexuality from inter-generational and inter-cultural perspectives.
Accolades
Ngozi has received many industry awards, including a Dora Mavor Moore Award, Spotlight Performance Award, a CAB (Canadian Association of Broadcasters) Award, and has been nominated for the Canadian Screen Award Hottest TV Star, the Canadian Screen Award Best Ensemble Cast.
