I've always believed that artists are cracked vessels - just some humans on a
spiritual journey allowing art to flow through them. We develop our crafts and fill
spaces with whatever art the universe bestows upon us. There is something so
affirming about directing and watching actors take words from a page, breathe life
into a character, and use their bodies as vehicles to tell a story.
As a director who is an amatuer at acting, a dancer with two left feet, and a singer
whose voice could scare the cats, I am in awe when I get to work with actors on the
stage, who will bleed on the dance floor, make the caged birds sing, and expose
their naked souls for me, for their characters, for all of us. I am truly blessed to
have the opporunity to work with every one of my cast members. I want to thank
them for allowing me the opportunity to witness their evolution as actors and
artists; it has been a rewarding experience that I'll never forget. I have learned so
much more than I thought I knew about them, myself, and the characters they
portray.
Directing this play, at this historical venue, has always been a dream of mine. I
remember being a kid on the South Side of Fort Worth, listening to the radio on the
way to school in the morning and hearing about plays at The Black Academy of Arts
and Letters. You could've been anywhere tonight, but you chose to be here with
us. Prepare to witness months of hard work as we enliven one of the most iconic
stage plays in American History.
We all are, know of, or have a little of Effie, Deena, Lorrell, Michelle, Jimmy, or
Curtis in us -- that's why folks love this story. I hope you enjoy our rendition.
-Mal
