BIO below.

ARTIST STATEMENT: I express myself through poetry, plays, and film scripts that explore the mystical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of the human experience. My work pays homage to the voices in my head and the otherworldly quests their respective characters embark on. Life’s oppressive forces fuel my need to flash boldness and self-belief—an impulse that led me to found Purple Divine, a creative banner dedicated to producing and publishing soul-stirring, transformative experiences for stage and page.

I am drawn to examining identity and challenging the boundaries of power and vulnerability through an avant-garde lens. As a fiction writer rooted in personal experience and Greek heritage, I use storytelling as a tool for awakening and liberation—often asking whether the key to the shackle is molten or swallowed. Presented in both conventional and site-specific settings, my work fuses mythological undertones with contemporary references and empathic rawness. With every creation, my goal remains to offer an event that journeys through love, loss, and a sense of vainqueur—never without a kind punch.

________________

ARTIST BIO

KIKI DRANIAS, also professionally known as Purple Divine, is a Greek-Canadian poet and an award-winning playwright and theatre producer. To showcase her work and the work of others, this woman artist founded the creative and public relations banner PURPLE DIVINE.

Kiki’s debut play, GOING UP, a 40-minute immersive and site-specific theatrical presentation, was performed live for 14 sold-out shows in November 2019 on board Elevator #1 at LE 5800 St. Denis, Montreal. The show was produced by Purple Divine. Winning  three categories: Outstanding New Text, Outstanding Emerging Playwright & Producer, Outstanding Independent Production, the inaugural production received seven nominations at the 2020 META (Montreal English Theatre Awards). The script also received Award Winner at the New York Independent Cinema Awards and Official Selection at Los Angeles Independent Women Film Awards.

Her second theatrical project WHERE IS ANTON was performed live at the 30th Montreal Fringe Festival in June 2021 for six sold-out shows at MainLine Theatre. Kiki wrote and directed the play and produced it under her Purple Divine creative banner.

With support from Canada Council for the Arts, Kiki wrote and produced her third play, THE LOVE TRIAL, an 80-minute modern Greek tragedy. This theatrical presentation was performed live in December 2021 for seven shows at the Masonic Temple Hall in Montreal.

Kiki has also authored BLOOD IS BLUE., a well-received poetry collection published by the Purple Divine banner.

More info on Kiki can be found on www.purpledivine.com. Have a browse!

Kiki Dranias

Artist - Bio & Statement