Malanee Murray is a Calgary-based artist whose creative work spans writing, filmmaking, and acting. Her short film Race Anonymous earned awards across the United States and Canada, with its sequel, Do The Math, gaining festival recognition. Her stage work, including The Venus of Basin Street and the critically acclaimed solo show The ‘Hoodwink, has been celebrated in Calgary and New York. As an actress, Murray appeared in notable roles like Bess in the feature film K-PAX and on shows such as 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd and 24.
A Lifelong Passion
“As a kid, I wanted to be an actress. I took classes and was acting between ages 11 and 14, while also writing during that time. I don’t see acting and writing as separate — they’re both about storytelling. As an actor, you embody part of the story; as a writer, you create the whole world. It’s the same drive: to tell stories, transform the world around you, and express yourself.
“I’ve been drawn to stories since I was little — watching TV, playing pretend, and reading constantly. My parents and other family members were involved in the arts. My dad acted, my mom painted, my brother’s a journalist, and my sister is a writer and actor. Creativity runs in our family.”
Why Calgary?
“When my husband and I lived in LA, we were part of the entertainment scene, but after becoming parents, we wanted to redirect our energy. We decided to try something new, and Calgary has been that place for us.
“Calgary has shaped my projects, like Race Anonymous, which explores Alberta’s culture and the struggles of certain men dealing with pain and identity, and Our Canada, Our Story, focusing on first-generation Albertan youth. Some people questioned why I left LA, but I think my work here has vindicated that decision. Calgary has given me a unique lens to explore themes of belonging, culture, and personal struggles.”
Grounded Escapism
“I’ve been thinking about love as an example [of escapism], and how my understanding of it has been shaped by my experiences. Growing up, I noticed my Black female friends had a different approach to love, one that wasn’t always hopeful. I used to rely on idealized love stories for comfort. Now, love is very political. Still, sometimes we need escapism — a break from reality in a light and fun way.
“Even though love stories are fantasy, they shape how we see ourselves. In real relationships, we realize that much of what we see in those stories isn’t real, but there’s still a need for more of that fantasy — more of that playful, whimsical, and fun aspect of life. This is especially important for communities burdened by centuries of trauma and colonialism. Life is hard no matter where you come from, but for those carrying the weight of historical trauma, that joy and escape are essential.”
Where Abuse Exists
“Invisible Bruise is about abusive relationships, but it’s not necessarily the type of abuse people expect. For instance, it features a wealthy white woman as an abuser, challenging the usual narrative. I received pushback from people who said, ‘Statistically, men are the abusers,’ but that wasn’t the point. Abuse isn’t always visible. It can happen in any dynamic — queer couples, men being abused by women, or situations where privilege masks reality. The idea was to explore places where abuse exists but isn’t acknowledged.”
Dream Project
“I’d love to create a historical drama about Black women in the 19th century, exploring pre-colonial African narratives. I also dream of doing a family-centred series, exploring different generations and their experiences. My family is a big part of my creative process, and I’d love to bring that to life through stories that are both deeply personal and widely relatable.”
The Purpose of an Artist
“To fill a lot of therapy chairs. Artists act as a bridge between the spiritual and the tangible. Historically, art and spirituality were intertwined — think of theatre’s roots in religious rituals. Artists take journeys on behalf of the community, reflecting its struggles, joys, and complexities. For me, creating art is about healing, understanding, and connecting with others on a profound level.
“Art is central to how we understand ourselves and create change. It’s a way to take the individual experience and make it universal, connecting people and helping them see the world — and themselves — differently.”
This Q&A was created in collaboration with Art Commons. To see more of Melanee Murray’s work, visit melaneemurray.com or Instagram @alphamelanee.