Analysis of Source Material & Keyword Definition
Here’s an analysis of the provided source material and a definition of optimal keywords, autonomous of direct extraction from the text.
1. Core Topic & Understanding
The article is a Q&A with Ming-Trent,an actor,about his upcoming autobiographical solo show,How Shakespeare Saved my Life. the show explores themes of personal struggle, finding salvation through art (specifically Shakespeare), and the power of theatre as a community and a force for change. The interview touches on his artistic beliefs, influences, and experiences. The intended audience is likely theatre enthusiasts, followers of Ming-Trent’s work, and those interested in autobiographical performance.
2. Optimal Keywords
* Primary Topic: Autobiographical Theatre / Solo Performance
* Primary Keyword: Ming-Trent (Given the focus of the article, the artist’s name is crucial)
* Secondary Keywords:
* How Shakespeare Saved My Life (Show Title – essential)
* Shakespeare (central theme and influence)
* Autobiographical Play
* Solo Show
* Theatre
* Performance Art
* Red Bull Theatre (Venues – crucial for search)
* Berkeley Rep (Venues – important for search)
* Folger Theatre (Venues - important for search)
* Hip-Hop and Shakespeare (Unique angle discussed in the interview)
* Personal Narrative
* Transformative power of Art
* Community theatre
* Actor Interview
* Contemporary Theatre
* autobiographical Performance
* Forgiveness (Key theme in the interview)
* Urban Theatre (as described by the artist)
* Suzan-Lori Parks (Influential artist mentioned)
* Stevie wonder (Influential artist mentioned)
* Basquiat (influential artist mentioned)
* Jackson Pollock (influential artist mentioned)
* Doug Wright (Influential artist mentioned)
What is the elevator pitch for How Shakespeare Saved My Life?
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. if Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering.What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. this show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of life. I love Basquiat’s work,even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life.This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s songs in the Key of Life.I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right.I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics.Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet.My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
what’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. everything Suzan-lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is indeed to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that,’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player.My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics,read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. my life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is indeed to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
what’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching.She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage.Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer.But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Shakespeare, Hip-Hop, and the Autobiographical Stage
There are striking parallels between the work of William Shakespeare and contemporary artists like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls). Both Shakespeare and these hip-hop artists drew inspiration from the realities of their environments, portraying the lives and struggles of people around them. Shakespeare observed life in Elizabethan London, while Tupac and Biggie documented the streets of Brooklyn. This shared focus on urban life and human experience suggests that shakespeare, if alive today, might find a creative outlet in modern forms like hip-hop or action filmmaking.
The Challenge and Reward of Autobiographical Work
Crafting autobiographical work is a deeply personal and frequently enough challenging process.The writer in this interview emphasizes that the motivation for creating this particular piece wasn’t self-serving, but rather a desire to connect with and possibly help others. The work is described as a “testimony” seeking forgiveness and offering a path toward transformation. The act of performing the piece is framed as a prayer for both self-forgiveness and the ability to forgive others.
Advice for Emerging Autobiographical Artists
For early-career artists considering autobiographical work, the advice is direct: take initiative and believe in yoru own vision. The core message is to create work that has a purpose – to be a source of support or a “lifeline” for someone in need.
Influential Art and Artists
The artist highlights several works and artists that have had a profound impact on their own creative process. Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life is cited as a beloved album. The work of Jean-Michel Basquiat is notably resonant, especially considering the artist’s own experiences and shared struggles. Jackson Pollock and playwright Suzan-Lori Parks are also acknowledged as critically important influences, with parks being described as a key teacher and inspiration. The writer Doug Wright is also mentioned as an artist deserving greater recognition.
Unconventional Stage Moments
The interview includes a lighthearted anecdote about a surprising moment on stage: changing clothes. While initially hesitant, the artist found that the audience responded positively to this unexpected act.
The Community Connection
The artist’s journey reflects a shift in aspirations. A childhood desire to be a football player was redirected by a father who emphasized the importance of community service. This experience ultimately led the artist to a career in theatre, where they find fulfillment in creating work that is both for and with the community.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn.If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
what’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. and, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching.She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player.My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer.But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies.shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging,rewarding,life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to,and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness,the lifesaving kind,the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone.Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work,even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others.Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching.She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering.What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others.Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is indeed to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer.But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering.What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock.Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me,”No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of london; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet.My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. this show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
what’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that,’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community.I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering.What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece,I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. she teaches me what it is to be an artist. the writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way shakespeare used language and the way artists like Biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or Biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. what makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to,and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness,the lifesaving kind,the relationship-saving kind. Each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven.And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life.I love Basquiat’s work,even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is indeed to be an artist. The writer doug wright should be talked about more,as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that, ’cause lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player. My dad told me, “No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.
Are you seeing similarities in the way Shakespeare used language and the way artists like biggie and Tupac used language?
Read Romeo and Juliet, then read Tupac or biggie’s lyrics. Read them-don’t listen to the lyrics, read the lyrics. Shakespeare reported what he saw while walking the streets of London; Biggie wrote about what he saw while walking the streets of Brooklyn. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a hip-hop artist or in Hollywood writing action movies. Shakespeare is an urban writer/actor like me.
What’s the toughest part of crafting an autobiographical show?
The process of writing this piece has been challenging, rewarding, life-altering. What makes it easier is that I’m not writing this for me. I’m writing this for someone out there I haven’t met yet. My life was saved and I’m hoping to save someone else’s life. This show is a testimony. It seeks answers to questions we don’t have answers to, and it seeks the forgiveness I feel I haven’t earned yet: true transformational forgiveness, the lifesaving kind, the relationship-saving kind. each night I perform this piece, I send a little prayer into the cosmos that I will find the power to forgive others and the vulnerability to allow myself to be forgiven. And, maybe most importantly, to forgive myself.
What advice would you give early-career artists about creating autobiographical work?
Don’t sit and wait to be chosen. Choose yourself! Make work that helps someone. Make something that can be a lifeline for someone out there who needs one.
What’s a piece of art you love that you feel doesn’t get talked about enough?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. I love Basquiat’s work, even more now that I know his journey and the similarities to mine and so many others. Jackson Pollock. Everything Suzan-Lori Parks-her work is unflinching. She teaches me what it is to be an artist. The writer Doug Wright should be talked about more, as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen on a stage?
Change clothes onstage. Never thought I’d do that,’cause Lord knows nobody wants to see that. But the audience dug it!
What’s a recent moment that reminded you why you choose to do theatre?
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a football player.My dad told me,”No! You’ll work in the community.” I hated that answer. But my dad was right. I’m a theatre artist for and with the community. I love that my dad was right.