I've been performing longer than I can remember. I think all little black girls if afforded the opportunity had some type of performance activity embedded in their childhood. For me, it started with ballet and tap (also known as combo class) next, jazz hip/hop, and later musical theatre. I never considered myself an elite dancer nor singer but I did know how to perform. As a child, I knew how to captivate an audience. I learned a big smile, bubbly attitude, a little bit of humor and a signature pose would always do the trick.
To date my top 3 favorite performances that I have done are:
Frankenstein adapted by Jonathan Yukick, directed by Noah Tuleja (Fun fact: I actually could not see the audience very clearly throughout that entire performance. I wore a color contact in one eye and my contact lens in the other. I'm surprised I never tripped on the stage 😅. That's what I call dedication to the craft!)
In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda directed by Ms. Natalie Gray (Fun Fact: I learned all the line and singing numbers to a major characters part about a week before opening night)
Hairspray Jr. by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meeham directed by Alexis Duermeyer ( Fun fact: The musical number: I Know Where I've Been, pushed me vocally, I'm still awed about that performance.)
It's been about three years since I've last performed and I miss it every day. However, I've found ways to fill that void, by attending a few musicals (pre-Rona) and participating in improv classes. Living through a pandemic you learn how to adjust. For me, it has allowed me to revaluate what performance means to me and the role in which it plays in my life. For those of you who what to engage in performance know that there are resources, that can help you engage with theater and performing virtually you just have to find them. I've subscribed to the New York Times and stay up to date on what's happening on Broadway. Earlier this year the New York Times did an Opening Night exploring Broadway and how it has been impacted by the pandemic. If you have time to watch I definitely recommend it.
For the remainder of the year, I'm challenging myself to read more plays by Black playwrights. Some of my favorites include
Dutchman - by Amiri Baraka
A Raisin in the Sun - by Lorraine Hansberry
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf - Ntozake Shange (Read the play, don't watch the movie Please!)
Intimate Apparel - Lynn Nottage
Jar the Floor - Cheryl West
This blog is part of my journey with physics, art, and everything in between. You can find a new post here every Sunday. Here are some upcoming topics and things that I will be talking about later this month.
September 20th: TBA
September 27th: TBA
I've set up a Patreon account. There you will be able to gain early access to my blog posts, be able to submit input on upcoming projects, and have access to exclusive editorial bonus videos. I am hoping to create content as well as build with creatives/scientists, to change the narrative of what it means to see, hear, and experience science & art collectively. I hope you will join me on this exciting journey! Thank you for supporting my work it is appreciated!
#physics #art #intersection #blackinstem #blackwomeninscience #science #performingarts #theater #performance
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