The Opposite / بالعکس at STAND Festival – Artist Biographies

Sleman Aldib is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Arab Canadian Theatre, Kawalease ACT. An accomplished actor, writer, performer, and director, he also serves as a board member of The Calgary Arab Arts & Cultural Society.

He is a recipient of the Canadian Arab Institute’s “30 Under 30” Initiative Award. Sleman’s creative portfolio includes four original productions: Jasmine, Snatched from the Back, Fight or Flight, and The Opposite. His production, The Opposite, is a thought-provoking piece that explores the hypothetical scenario of Canadians experiencing war and seeking refuge. Recently, he directed and produced Interrogation by Bassem Hafez.

Beyond theatre, Sleman’s passion for storytelling extends to photography, where he captures moments that often speak louder than words. This passion has led him to become a professional photographer, dedicated to unfolding the untold through his lens.

Mark Hopkins

Mark Hopkins (he/him) is based in Mohkinstsis, colonially known as Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He’s Co-Artistic Director of Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre, which generates productive discomfort through art-making, and an Associate with Human Venture Leadership, which seeks to build our collective capacities to reduce ignorance, error, waste, suffering and injustice. Mark volunteers on the board of Kawalease ACT (Arab Canadian Theatre) and founded We Should Know Each Other, a community-bridging initiative. He’s proud to have been recently published in an anthology, Reimagining Fire: The Future of Energy.

Some of Mark’s honours and awards include the Creative Placemaking Award (2016 Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Best Screenplay (2014 Alberta Media Production Industry Awards), Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 and the Calgary Herald’s 20 Compelling Calgarians.

Allaith Alexander

I am a 36-year-old Syrian-Canadian with a professional background in humanitarian work, non-profit organisations, and support for newcomers and refugees. My career has been deeply rooted in care, advocacy, and human connection, values that naturally extend into my artistic pursuits. I have always been passionate about the arts and storytelling, viewing them as powerful tools for empathy, healing, and social change. Currently, I am completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology, where I continue to explore the intersection of mental health and creative expression. My diverse experiences across cultures, causes, and communities have shaped my perspective and deepened my approach to acting. I bring authenticity, emotional depth, and a strong sense of purpose to every role I take on.

Rana Alkari

I’m the owner of Damaskino Pastry, where I share the authentic flavours and traditions of Syrian baking. I love connecting with people and engaging with the Arab community. My goal is to be someone who inspires through kindness, hard work, and passion.

Alexander Helwah

Born in Damascus, rebuilt in Canada — I’m a proud Syrian-Canadian with a refugee story and a big love for community. ✨ My journey taught me that starting over isn’t just about survival — it’s about creating, connecting, and celebrating along the way. I’ve worked with amazing refugee and newcomer organizations, helping others find their footing (and a little bit of joy) in their new beginnings. I’m all about culture, kindness, and conversations that bring people together. Whether it’s sharing stories, building bridges, or just spreading good vibes — community is where my heart beats loudest. 

Leen Issa

Leen Issa is a Palestinian-Canadian filmmaker and video editor, born and raised in Syria. Her work has been featured on platforms like VICE and NOWNESS and screened at major film festivals. In 2016, she co-produced the award-winning docu-fiction Rupture, featuring a Syrian cast of first-time actors and war survivors who draw on their personal experiences of war and displacement. She later spent several years as a senior video editor and producer at VICE Arabia, creating documentaries that push cultural boundaries and highlight the region’s rich diversity.

Norma Lize

Norma Lize is a transgender activist and advocate from the Middle East. Her activism started when she was studying journalism and communication arts, leading to her involvement with LGBTQIA+ organisations in the SWANA region and worldwide. Her lived experience, and work in Media and the Non-profit sector, helped her to raise the voice about LGBTQIA+ issues around the world. Since relocating to Vancouver, she continues to fight for the rights of the trans community. She worked as a Sponsorship Coordinator at Rainbow Refugee, a Peer Facilitator at Mosaic, and a co-trainer at QMUNITY. Norma is currently working as a Communications Manager at Rainbow Refugee Society and is working on developing training materials to help raise awareness in workplaces and communities.

Hala Maghamez

Hala Maghamez is a dynamic Syrian-Canadian actress, singer, and performer who brings a unique blend of cultural flair and artistic passion to her craft. Born in Syria, she immigrated to Canada in 2016. Her musical background shines through in her soft and emotive singing, showcased in local bands and performances. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Hala’s acting career took off after studying Acting For Film and TV at Vancouver Film School. Her notable roles include Ahmed (2023), a short film featured in the New York Shorts International Film Festival.

Grace Zakko

Grace Zakko is a multi-instrumentalist, inspirational songwriter, and expressive artist.

Born and raised in Syria, her artistic journey began at an early age as a poet in Arabic, a musical and theatrical performer, and a creative presence at community events.

Later in her journey, driven by both personal and collective experiences—including challenges and growth—Grace transitioned into songwriting and music composition. She began exploring themes that challenge conventional norms, advocate for self-liberation, and awaken heart awareness.

To date, Grace has written more than fifty songs in Arabic and English and plays several instruments, including guitar, oud, piano, darbuka, and native flutes. She performs across British Columbia, Canada, bridging cultures and inspiring transformation through her art.

Rashed Dahnoun

Rashed Dahnoun is a Syrian theatre director, writer, and actor with over a decade of experience in stage performance and directing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Dentistry from Al-Kalamoon University (2013), and currently works as a dental assistant in Vancouver. Rashed has participated in numerous festivals, including the Sharjah Short Plays Festival, the Sharjah Theatre Days, and the Dubai Youth Theatre Festival. He has received several awards, such as Best Director for Waiting for Godot (2019) and Best Actor for Don Quixote (2022). In addition to his work in theatre, he has performed in short films screened internationally and continues to explore the intersection of art and community engagement through performance. He is the Founder of the Vancouver Cultural Cafe Association (2025)

Kawalease ACT

Kawalease ACT (Arab Canadian Theatre) assembles, spotlights, and nourishes Arab artists in Calgary, by helping them access resources, networking and artistic opportunities. It was established in 2015, after Artistic Director Sleman Aldib’s arrival in Canada. As he started to find success in the theatre sector, he wanted to create a platform where other Arab people could access artistic opportunities and support. The goal of Kawalease ACT is to be an umbrella organisation for Arab artists in the artistic community of Alberta, offering rich experiences and connections, acting as a bridge between Arab artists and artistic opportunities that exist in Canada.

For more information, visit www.kawaleaseact.ca.

STAND Festival

Celebrating the Voices of Immigrant and Refugee Artists

In the heart of Metro Vancouver, the STAND Festival is an acronym capturing the essence of Strength Through Art Network Diversity.

Launched in 2021, this annual November gala is more than just an arts festival; it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity.

STAND Festival emerges as a unique platform that celebrates immigrant and refugee artists’ untold stories, vibrant talents, and undeniable passion. Through three dynamic disciplines – Theatre, Music, and Dance – the festival paints a rich tapestry of narratives, emotions, and experiences that transcend geographical borders.

But the festival doesn’t stop at mere showcase. Recognizing the unique challenges immigrant and refugee artists face, STAND includes an array of knowledge-sharing workshops. These curated sessions aim to empower participants, equipping them with the tools, insights, and networks to navigate and thrive in their artistic journeys.

Join us every November as we stand in solidarity, appreciate unparalleled artistry, and, most importantly, listen to the powerful voices that resonate with strength, diversity, and unity.