Ep. 89: Jesse & Ahmed | King Gilgamesh, Musical Fusion & The Future of Canadian Theatre

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Creative Full Time, Alison Mullings sits down with Jesse and Ahmed, the creative minds behind King Gilgamesh and the Man of the Wild. Together, they share the story of how their collaboration began, the artistic choices that shaped the production, and the thematic depth woven into their work. We also talk about Ahmed's band and their JUNO NOMINATION! The conversation explores how musical fusion enhances storytelling, what it’s like to navigate the rehearsal process as a team, and how Canadian theatre continues to evolve. Jesse and Ahmed also offer inspiring advice for young creators, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and collaboration in the arts.GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/gilgameshChapters00:00 Introduction00:43 The Origin Story of a Creative Partnership03:28 The Evolution of Their Show06:39 Creative Collaboration and Its Challenges09:47 The Journey of Touring and Performing12:55 The Formation of The Band15:27 Rehearsal Dynamics and Performance Preparation18:41 Insights on the Canadian Theatre Scene20:59 Advice for Young Creators24:07 Thematic Elements of Their Show26:54 Final Thoughts and Show Promotion