Cate Simpson

Why playwright and performer Trey Anthony added “build a wellness centre” to her already jam-packed schedule.

When Trey Anthony told her real estate agent she wanted a new production office that could double as a spiritual wellness centre for women — and that she wanted it downtown, on the subway line and on a budget — her agent told her to “dream on.”

It’s a phrase Anthony must be used to hearing by now. After all, her success with ’da Kink in My Hair — which rocketed from a Toronto Fringe Festival debut to a large-scale production at the Princess of Wales Theatre to the Global sitcom adaptation she now directs — could not have been predicted from its subject matter. 

“This is a play about sexism, about homophobia, about police brutality …  and it has broken box office records and just transcended all expectations and race and colour,” Anthony says. “Everybody has come to see ’da Kink, everybody.”

Anthony’s latest project is the Trey Anthony @one Centre, created to be an accessible, affordable place for women of all races, sexualities, ages, body types and abilities to take part in activities focused on “mind, body, spirit, creativity and fun.” Or, as Anthony puts it, “This is gonna be the space where Toronto happens.”

Everything about the @one Centre screams — or, rather, soothingly whispers — “wellness centre.” The varnished wood floor, flowing white curtains and exposed brick walls make it feel minimalist and contemporary, but not cold. There are pictures of women of various ages, races and abilities on the walls, and the room is airy and bright, scented like the waiting room of a classy massage therapist.

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