Born and raised in Jamaica, Xaiver has considered Newfoundland and Labrador home for over a decade. These islands are quite different, but Xaiver feels that living in Jamaica, prepared him for life on the Rock. Minus the snow, sleet and lack of sun – the people are equally warm and friendly. When not writing, doing childcare, baking, playing or watching basketball, Xaiver loves the outdoors and can be found swimming in the ponds all across the Newfoundland in the summer, camping and hiking the East Coast Trail.
His stories has been published in The Malahat Review, Riddle Fence, The Newfoundland Quarterly and anthologies: Best Canadian Stories 2024 by Biblioasis, Us, Now and Hard Ticket by Breakwater Books, and Release Any Words Stuck Inside You III by Applebeard Editions. His second play, One Name was produced by Halifax Theatre for Young People in Spring 2023. Xaiver’s non-fiction work concerns the lives of enslaved and freed Black people in early Newfoundland settlements. His first non-fiction book, Black Harbour, co-authored with Heather Barrett, published Fall 2023, offers an introduction to Newfoundland Black history. Xaiver was named a Writers’ Trust Rising Star in 2022.
We made some questions for our members to know Xaiver Campbell better.
What are some Canadian plays every aspiring playwright or theatre enthusiast should read?
“The Adventures of A Black Girl in Search of God” and “Harlem Duet” by Djanet Sears.
Tell us about the plays and/or playwrights that have shaped your artistic journey. Feel free to recommend a few must-reads that have been touchstones for your creative exploration!
Trevor Rhone and pantomimes of Jamaica!
Do you have any unique rituals or routines that fuel your creative process? Whether it’s a specific writing space, a favourite writing snack, or a particular time of day when inspiration strikes, we’d love to know the behind-the-scenes details of your creative journey. Share your tips for staying in the zone!
Nothing beats writing during the early hours of the morning, when distractions are scarce. I work best before the hustle and bustle of the day seeps in through the cracks.
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