I was drawn to theatre because of the immediate and intimate connection that happens in a theater, and because it is live, it has the ability to viscerally reveal human nature. But, the reason I keep coming back is the unmistakable feeling of being seen. When a character, metaphorically, looks you in the eye, it is an acknowledgement that your existence is valuable. Although this is changing, it is still rare that this recognition comes from characters that look like me, but when I hear the thoughts and feelings of characters on stage that have lived in my shoes, it is immeasurably joyous and validating.

In my work, I am challenging the perception of what it means to be a woman and/or a Black person in America. I want to normalize Black bodies and voices, especially Black female voices, on the American stage, as I believe our point of view can be universal too. Black women are often portrayed as strong and capable. We are certainly those things, but we are more than the shoulder that props everything and everyone up. We are a beautiful tapestry of tears and pain and laughter and love, something that is often disregarded. I want to make space for those intricacies, and I want people to see themselves and relate to these characters and their struggles and triumphs.