By Tonya Facey

Poet and linguist Nadine Williams is bringing her lyrical prowess to the stage in a new show, Mono-Linguistics with a Twist! To be performed at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, it marks Williams’ first solo show of this scale.

A mix of theatrics, music and poetry, Mono-Linguistics is broken into sections focusing on four themes: spirituality, relationships, parenting and a tribute to Yawd (Jamaica). It will also blend Williams’ unique sense of humour and performance-style with thematic musical accompaniment and wardrobe changes to engage the audience and get them thinking.

Williams hopes that Mono-Linguistics strikes a chord and leaves the audience inspired. “I want people to be empowered with the idea that someone can have a dream and follow it right through to infinity,” says Williams.

Earlier in her life, Williams, a former interior decorator, never anticipated a career as a poet. She does, however, seem to have been destined for the spotlight from a young age. Growing up as somewhat of a bookworm who read under the kerosene lamps at night in Jamaica, she was often asked to read aloud to friends and family members.

Inadvertently, she developed a comfort and a knack for performing. Poetry came later on when Williams was working through the demise of her marriage. It became part of her healing process, as she turned to writing and sharing her poems with friends. Having received feedback and blessings from supportive friends, Williams began to write and share her poetry with the public.

Her poems, which touch on a variety of topics, including immigration, have allowed Williams to connect with an array of groups from schools to government officials while spreading her messages of empowerment and positive thinking. She’s even had one of her poems displayed on the walls of Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital. Her voice has also been heard through speaking engagements at many events and workshops.

And,Williams has managed to self-publish three books of poetry: The Culmination of Marriage Between Me & My Pen, With This Pen I Do Tell and Love Rocks (a children’s book).The positive reception may just be because Williams focuses on issues that resonate with her life and what she sees around her: “I try to write on very relevant issues that I’m passionate about, mostly women and kids issues,” sums up Williams.

MONO-LINGUISTICS with a TWIST! debuts at the Rose Theatre in Brampton on Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. with another show 8:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit the Rose Theatre box office or e-mail [email protected].