The United States did not anticipate my ancestors’ survival, so my very existence is political. Therefore, it is fair to say that the work I create in the theatre and my presence in the greater American theatrical field is political too.

To put it mildly, my career in the theatre has been plagued by colonization, pigeonholing, inequity, racism, and classism. I often joke that I am always hot because the fire inside of me burns too brightly, but I do indeed have a fire. The only reason why I have been as successful as I have been is because the fire I carry in my spirit to create opportunities for my communities has made me resilient. The stories of my family have made me resilient. The survival of my ancestors has made me resilient. And that resiliency manifests in my work.

I have made it my artistic mission to utilize my diverse skill sets that are rooted in my Seminole and Mvskoke cultures to educate, inspire, and challenge audiences to make change and more importantly, to uplift diverse artists and their stories. I often incorporate Indigenous languages into my work, and I always include inclusion riders because the foundation of my artistry is uplifting and prioritizing marginalized artists. My communities’ values deeply inform and shape the work I create through non-linear storytelling, creating in consensus with all artists in the room, and being unapologetic about it.

Being brutally honest, using tactile techniques, and provoking evocative thoughts are my guideposts. People of color, resilience, and this current political climate are my muses. Playwriting, revitalizing classics, and re-imagining contemporary pieces are my vessels for change.