Artistic Statement

Artistic Statement

In my work, I aim to elevate women’s stories and investigate how we materialize in the world, specifically in relation to each other by (1) interrogating the concept of womanhood, (2) exploring the dynamics of women’s representation, (3) searching for the meaning behind the female façade; and (4) investigating the role of love and co-dependency in women’s lives. These various forms of inquiry create the foundation of my plays, a foundation whose infrastructure consists of layers and layers of questions. Why are the lives of women so often dictated by patriarchy? Why are we sexually assaulted and then blamed for being “hysterical” when we try to do something about it Why are we not allowed to be angry and aggressive and hit below the belt when it seems men do it all the time? Why are women paid less, taken less seriously, forced to be more articulate when defending our points of view and constantly fighting for our right to individual autonomy? The process of asking these questions elucidates the legacy of inequality women continue to face in contemporary society. I do not wish to live my life in anger, though, so I lean on the wisdom of bell hooks, who claims, “Feminist thinking teaches us all, especially, how to love justice and freedom in ways that foster and affirm life.” These words remind me to look for the hope in my work, even when the story blossoms from the seed of patriarchal oppression. They also remind me to leave space for love in my stories. Because we all want, need, deserve love in our lives.

As a cis, white, female theater artist raising two daughters, I feel it is my responsibility to put women’s consciousness on stage, both from within my privileged experience and, perhaps more importantly, outside of it. As a playwright, my body of work explores the dynamics between multiple generations of women and how the time in which we grew up influences our views of the world This contemplation reminds me to question my intentions, my motives, and the effect my work has on other women (and men).  As an artist and a scholar, I am interested in the meaning generated by the ways in which women are represented (or rendered invisible) on stage. This is why I like to include diverse women of all shapes, sizes, and ages in my plays. My work tends to gravitate toward non-realistic realms and use dark humor to lift moments of heaviness or experiences of trauma. Stylistically, my plays often live in a space of humorous absurdity in which anything is possible. I like the amalgamation of commedia and the grotesque. I also enjoy pushing the boundaries of logic, reason, and sexuality. Ultimately, I believe visibility creates opportunity.

Women come in all shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments. We are not always submissive, nor are we consistently aggressive. But we are here. We have a voice. We have a body. We have a story. I am determined to live “…in a world where there is no domination,” as bell hooks suggests, “a world where we can all be who we are, a world of peace and possibility.” This world exists for me in the blankness of the page before the words “lights up” appear; in the moment the house lights begin to dim and the theater transforms into a plane of pure potential. I aim to make sure women stand front and center in this theatrical potentiality and claim their place in the minds and hearts of the audience.