haui™ is an award-winning mixed-media artist known for directing, devising, and designing cross-disciplinary work for stage and screen that "defies categorisation, a lot like the artist at its centre," as noted by stir magazine vancouver, while etalk canada highlighted that his work "is going to allow a lot of people to begin healing." over the past decade, he has developed a diverse body of work that synthesises theatre, dance, opera, film, and visual arts. his art explores themes of race, gender, and sexual orientation, bridging the gap between art and activism while shedding light on overlooked histories and forgotten narratives.
notable works include the feature film mixedup (produced in association with outtv), the immersive site-specific dance installation private flowers (commissioned by toronto history museums), and his libretto aportia chryptych: a black opera for portia white, created in collaboration with composer sean mayes. the opera was hailed by the globe & mail as "a rare world premiere from the canadian opera company, marking a new entry in the country’s essential operatic canon." it also marked a historic milestone, featuring the first black stage director, librettist, composer, ensemble, costume, and sound designer.
haui™ was recently published by playwrights canada press. his practice spans directing, designing (video projections and visual arts), and devising (playwriting, poetry, producing, and performing), with notable collaborations with leading arts organisations such as the canadian opera company, cbc, aptn, stratford festival, and shaw festival. his work continually challenges traditional media boundaries, amplifying underrepresented themes, myths, and histories.
in 2024, haui™ served as the artist-in-residence for the city of guelph, creating the audiovisual piece aunt harriet, set for release in 2025. upcoming, he will continue developing new projects in new york, greece, cuba, and jamaica. as a producer, he is part of oya obac’s producers incubator, having mentored with industry leaders such as marie clements and atom egoyan.
recognised both nationally and internationally, haui™ was honoured with the recent graduate award from toronto metropolitan university for his distinction in the arts. his work continues to push the intersections of race, gender, and identity, offering a unique and unconventional perspective that challenges and redefines the boundaries of art.
photo by Evan Mitsui
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haui™ is a remarkable artist with a rainforest of creative ideas spawned from his individualism.
hollywood north magazine
"his insights and commitment to creativity and storytelling were invaluable to the continuity of the work we were doing."
tantoo cardinal, activist and actor
"howard, or "haui," as he positions himself, is a highly intelligent, witty, and talented artist with a huge repertoire of skills...this is an exceptionally professional young man who will make his name, and soon, with a vengeance. his talents are wide-ranging– and unique."
martha henry; order of canada, order of on; hon lld, phd, dhum, dfa.
creative manager
