HAUI is the stage name for Howard J Davis, is a Canadian mixed-media artist known for his cross-disciplinary contributions to theatre, dance, opera, film, and visual arts.[1] His work explores themes of race, gender, and sexual orientation, aiming to bridge art with activism and illuminate marginalized narratives in history.[2]
HAUI has collaborated with arts organizations including the Canadian Opera Company, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, and Wildseed Centre for Arts and Activism.[3] His artistic portfolio spans directing for stage and screen, designing video projections and visual arts, and devising plays, poetry, producing, and performing.
One of HAUI's achievements includes directing his feature-film debut, MixedUp, produced by trans filmmaker Jack Fox. The film was produced in collaboration with OUTtv (Canada), the world's largest LGBTQ+ network.[4] MixedUp has been described as "a bold mix of documentary, confessional, strident manifesto, and arthouse experiment" that "defies categorization, a lot like the artist at its centre".[5]
He also directed, designed, and devised Private Flowers[6] , a site-specific dance installation at Toronto's Fort York National Historic Site, commissioned by the City of Toronto for Pride festivities.[7]
HAUI's world premiere of Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White at the Canadian Opera Company marked a significant milestone in opera.[8] [9] This production featured the first all-Black creative team including stage director, librettist, composer, ensemble, costume, and sound designer, celebrating diversity in a groundbreaking performance[10]
HAUI was appointed artist-in-residence for the City of Guelph[11] [12] and received the Recent Graduate Award from Toronto Metropolitan University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the arts nationally and internationally.
Known for his rejection of categorizations, HAUI's art reflects the diversity of his own identity, amplifying overlooked themes, myths, and histories.[13] He creates works that intersect various artistic mediums, challenging traditional boundaries through an unconventional and diverse lens.[14]