Growing up in the South with parents from the West Coast, I think I noticed from an early age how important it is to pay attention to different mannerisms and habits of people across the States (and world). It is the is cultural minutia of different regions and social groups that allows us to better understand both the similarities and differences of people. Integrating those observations from life into my work is very important and creates a specificity that allows readers and views to relate to the scenario and characters, even if they are far removed from them in reality.

I’ve encountered criticism for including multiple political or social issues in each of my plays. I feel that this is an accurate representation of my life and now more than ever the world in which we live. Problems do not wait for resolution before intermingling with other problems. I think the incorporation of different themes and obstacles allows me to create rich and compelling worlds for my characters, but can sometimes be overwhelming to an audience. I would like to continue to develop my voice without eschewing the importance of representing the cacophony of issues that crop up in the worlds I envision for the stage.

I would also like to create a methodology for incorporating other types of creative expression into my plays. I’m working on a piece that is at the cross section of many mediums that are integral to my artistic process, but that are not my strong suits as a creative. These mediums include music, poetry, video art, and live drawing. With so much competing for our attention, I have a renewed and heightened respect for live theater and visual art which present something real and tangible in our increasingly digital world.