Jacqui du Toit is a storyteller, born and raised in South Africa. Since coming to Canada in 2008, she has been captivating audiences with stories about her homeland and journey to Canada. But it’s not just the words she uses, Jacqui draws her listeners in with song, movement and impersonation so they are truly immersed in the experience. Jacqui is the co-owner of the Origin Arts and Community Centre, a Black-owned performing arts venue in Ottawa. 

Jacqui is a proud MASC artist. MASC is Wellington West’s charity partner this ARTS Season. The Ottawa-based arts organization represents a roster of 138 professional artists of diverse backgrounds, who offer workshops, performances, and artist-in-residence programs in all artistic disciplines to schools and communities across Canada.

1. Tell us about some of the artistic work you’ve done in Wellington West:

I am so pleased to have shared stories at various venues and festivals over the years in the WW area, some include, working with the amazing team at MASC,  Jane’s walk, The TASTE of Wellington West and various events at the Happy Goat. And one of the highlights has been working with the GCTC, on stage and behind the scenes. Being one of the co-owners and the Creative Director of The Origin Arts and Community Centre has also created many great opportunities to share and create work with incredibly amazing and wonderful artists in Ottawa. 

2. What do you find inspiring about Wellington West?

I find the eclectic mix and diverse communities extremely inspiring. So many great stories and connections were created. I am also inspired by the natural surroundings and parks in the Wellington West area. 

3. What are some of your favourite spots to visit when you’re out and about in Hintonburg and Wellington Village?

There are so many great spots that I love going to. Happy Goat coffee is almost a daily practice the baristas are so friendly and welcoming. On Sundays I enjoy gelato from Stella Luna, Frenchies (a chip wagon outside the RBC) is also a place I love to go to because, in my experience, he has the best poutine I have had. Tennessy Willems has excellent pizza ( and their chilli oil is so good), I prefer to upcycle my clothing and usually find great treasure at St Vincent’s. Thyme and Again have the best cakes ever! Wellington West has so many great stores, just talking a walk down the street on weekend fills me with so much joy!

4. What projects do you have coming up?

The next show that is coming up is called SPEAKING VIBRATIONS, a multi-disciplinary performance about our world in and around sound. Which will be aired on the 7th May. This is one of my favourite directorial performances I am so proud of! The women in the show have worked so hard and we are super excited to be taking the performance to the next level. This performance is in collaboration with the GCTC. And on the 27th May I will be sharing stories with Ottawa storytellers on their SIGNATURE SERIES and a highlight will be sharing the stage with the multi-talented Emily Marie Séguin

Last year, Jacqui was profiled in a series on Apt613, click here read that interview.