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Director Note and Acknowledgements from Bianca LaVerne Jones:

Family is important.  The AARLCC has invited me into its historical archive and family and I am richer from this experience.  During the pandemic, I was a displaced artist who found her home in South Florida amongst family.  I had no idea I was running into the embrace of such deep artistic and cultural arms.  Upon learning that Esther Rolle, an idol and icon, was from Pompano Beach, I began to understand the pride, culture and environment of South Florida's talent. This cast is wonderful and willing to stretch as artists! I am so inspired!!  Thank you to Darius Daughtry and Belvit Jordan for luring me in as the director of Head Above Water: The Life of Esther Rolle, I feel supported and proud of the work we have done.   My hope is that as you watch our story about  Esther Rolle you begin to feel hope for yourself and anything you have been having a vision over in your own life.  Our playwright has taken Esther's actual words and thoughts from her interviews and life and given us a true slice of Esther's reality.   Like Esther, I had a vision over my own life as an actress and director and am proud to have made my Broadway debut as Associate Director on Chicken and Biscuits in 2021.  As a Griot (storyteller) I have wanted to be a part of telling stories on stages in the highest platform and like Esther, a Broadway veteran, my dream came true.  I kept my faith, remained curious and asked questions, kept my vision from my teenage years and gave it to God.   As we lift up Esther Rolle and learn from her life, make a wish for your own life and go after it!!  I AM GRATITUDE.  Thank you to my artistic father, Herman LeVern Jones and my loving and praying mother, Carolyn Jones for your support during the pandemic and all of my endeavors in South Florida.  

Peace, Love and GOOD TIMES, 

Bianca LaVerne Jones

biancalavernejones.com

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, MA (Directing)

SUNY Purchase Acting Conservatory, BFA