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"The Golden Loc," a vibrant Theater For Young Audiences play inspired by the rich tapestry of African Mythology. Join Zia, a spirited little Black girl, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace her unique locs, beauty, and the magic within her. I wrote this play during my transformative Fellowship at The Union for Contemporary Art in 2022, this play is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible Black women who have surrounded me with love and support. Explore the powerful themes of identity, fairy magic, and empowerment through the enchanting world of The Aziza Queendom.
Designed by the Obsidian Team
In June 2024, I was a finalist for the 4th Annual Obsidian Theatre Festival. "The Golden Loc," was the only TYA play showcased at the festival. The play was sold-out and the audience was left feeling inspired as they experienced The Aziza Queendom.
Directed by Asia Mark
Stage Managed by Joy Green
Wigs by Alley Gator
Costumes by Zuwaib Razzaq
Designed by the Obsidian Team
The Golden Loc Workshop: Purple Crayon Edition
I was honored to be a selected finalist for the 2024 Purple Crayon Players New Works Festival! The workshop of "The Golden Loc" was truly an enchanting experience. With its script-in-hand performance, light staging, original music, and engaging props! It captivated the audience with its fairy magic. The inclusion of pre-show worksheets and a post-show Q&A added an interactive element, allowing the young people in the audience to delve deeper into the world of the play and connect with the creative process.
Directed by Myah Shelton
In June 2023, I was a Guest Artist at The Union for Contemporary Art in Omaha, Nebraska. I spent three days workshopping "The Golden Loc." I did script analysis and character development, and I made new discoveries that enhanced the world of the play with some talented local actors and creatives in the Omaha area. My favorite part of the workshop experience was mixing my love of storytelling with community engagement.
On the third day of the workshop, we gave a public reading for the Omaha Public Schools Summer reading program at The Charles B. Washington Public Library. We read for over 125 students and families. We also engaged the audience with a short presentation on African Mythology and we left space for a Q&A for the young people to ask questions about the play.
Directed by Denise Chapman
Dramaturge Denise Chapman
Stage Managed by Asia Nared
Music Director: Tonia Ward
In October 2023, I was selected as a presenter at Afro-Con (House of Afros, Capes, and Curls), an organization whose mission is to connect people from diverse backgrounds and build a community based on a shared love of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and Afrofuturism while providing a safe space to explore the artistic, literary, and historic merits of geek culture.
I presented a presentation on Afrocentricity, Afrofantasy, and Aziza Fairies. I also went more in-depth about the world of the play and I showcased 15 minutes of "The Golden Loc".
Directed by Doriette Jordan
Stage Manager Asia Nared
In November 2022, I participated in The Artist Showcase at The Union for Contemporary Art featuring a captivating 15-minute sample performance of "The Golden Loc". This event highlighted the artist's unique talent, leaving the audience inspired and eager for more. Attendees experienced a blend of innovative artistry that truly exemplified contemporary expression.
Directed by Doriette Jordan
Presenter Prentiss Matthews III
Twas the Night Before Bah-Humbug was inspired by Charles Dicken’s classic The Christmas Carol but it has a modern twist. Preston is a teenage boy who hates the Christmas season, and no one knows the reason why. He’s rude; he’s mean, and he’s everything in between! Later, he discovers that he is the modern-day Scrooge and meets a few festive holiday characters who take him on a whimsical journey of self-discovery. Will Preston ever learn his lesson that it’s wrong to be bitter during the holiday season? Or will he forever be a Scrooge?
While in College in 2019, I collaborated with the Genders & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) on campus and directed a staged reading of the piece. We had an Ugly Christmas Sweater reading with snacks, hot cocoa, and a photo booth.
Twas the Night Before Bah-humbug Live Playreading, performed at Valdosta State University
Directed by: Prentiss Matthews III
The Gay Roommate is a Dramedy about two roommates who are at odds because they come from two different worlds. One roommate is straight, and the other roommate is gay. The play touches on themes of tolerance, homophobia, self-acceptance, friendship, and personal growth. Will these two roommates find common ground, or will they stay at odds?
Before COVID-19 restrictions, I was working with VSU NAACP, Gender's Sexuality Alliance (GSA), & The Student Diversity & Inclusion group to do a staged reading of my most recent play The Gay Roommate in April 2020. Unfortunately, The staged reading was canceled. But, in June of 2020, The cast and crew of the Gay Roommate did a virtual reading of the play.
