SHOWS
Library Play (2024)
Step into the mesmerizing world of 'Library Play,' an Afrofuturistic Monodrama that delves into the essence of being a guardian of stories and histories, especially those of forgotten people. Follow the journey of a new librarian who must protect the library and its untold stories from the encroaching threat of A.I. cyborgs. With the unlikely alliance of a resourceful handywoman and a minstrel superhero, they embark on a daring quest to safeguard the rich tapestry of black oral history within the library's archives.
As the plot unfolds, a profound revelation surfaces: each of us is a custodian of our own stories, and it is our duty to preserve and honor these narratives as sacred. This innovative solo performance is a whirlwind of action, humor, and introspection, offering a message of hope and resilience that resonates deeply in today's world.
Beauty & The Beat
Dive into the vibrant world of 'Beauty and the Beat,' an electrifying Afro-adaptation of the classic French tale. This dramedy tour de force follows the journey of a struggling PhD student, torn between completing his dissertation and making ends meet through his art. When his ambitious mother seeks to elevate his business, the industry's interest in his intellectual property complicates matters. Amidst this turmoil, inanimate objects spring to life—a Boombox, clock, and a lighter—urging him to unlock the true essence of hip hop to break the spell it's under.
This fantastical narrative explores the timeless themes of beauty, academia versus artistry, and the profound bond between mother and son. 'Beauty and the Beat' is a poignant reminder of the apology every mother deserves from her son, as it delves into the profound question: who determines what is beautiful and what is not?
Rap Monologues
Rap Monologues is a tour de force about a storage unit trainer who works at Safe Guys and takes the opportunity to try community theatre through Shakespeare. However, the only classical text they know is hip hop verses they perform as monologues. Through this journey of searching for acceptance we discover that tradition is in the eye of the beholder. This electric verse based Monodrama is armed with hip hop history, humor, and a new perspective on classical literature adjacent to Shakespeare.
Pinocchi’andre(2024)
“Pinocchi’Andre” is a spellbinding Afro-adaptation of Pinocchio, reimagined for Broadway. In a world that denied the humanity of Black boys, Pinocchi’Andre takes center stage, accompanied by an ex-con termite serving as his conscience and the enchanting melodies of a ukulele. Betrayal, temptation, and redemption form the core of this one-person dramedy.
With a verse-based narrative, the production is both rhythmic and dynamic, delivering a unique retelling of the Italian classic with a Black Aesthetic. Pinocchi’Andre’s journey toward self-discovery and the pursuit of becoming real is a mesmerizing, soulful experience, leaving audiences inspired.
In development with: the Kennedy Center (DC), the Alliance, and and True Color (ATL).
(I)sland T(rap)
A hip-hop riff about Black Ulysses on an Odyssey of self-discovery and a powerful exploration of a young artist of color navigating the turbulent waters of contemporary American culture while trying to find his authentic voice. (I)sland T(rap) has lyrical poetry, live music, and commentary on Black experience in America, this tour-de-force charts a soul journey on an exotic island where Black Ulysses discovers his place in a society full of gun violence and oppression.
Kennedy Center - American College Theatre Festival 2018 x 6 awards
San Diego International Fringe Festival 2018 x 4 awards, including Best in Festival
United Solo Threatre Festival 2018 - Best One Man Show
New Zealand International Fringe Festival, Dunedin Fringe Festival 2019 x 2 Awards
Black Book
Welcome to Melvin Tolson High School—it's summer school, it's hot, the barbwire fence is fixed, and a young African American boy has been shot, leaving his group of friends reeling from the loss and wondering if their voices can ever be heard. Enter a former Great Debater to teach a master class on public speaking and challenge this group of boys to speak out and give voice to their hopes and fears. Filled with pressing issues, inspiring characters, and graced with comic flourishes, this one-person dramedy debates what happens to young minds when our educational spaces begin to resemble a prison more than school and a place to learn and grow.
Kennedy Center - American College Theatre Festival 2019 x 4 awards