In 2017, I took an overnight bus to Toronto, not knowing a single person! It was one of my biggest creative risks and the most rewarding. Finding out I hit the fringe lottery during the pandemic was a feeling of excitement, but I had to remind myself that I wouldn’t be able to visit Toronto this time around. I was looking forward to visiting the Kensington Market and Rasta Pasta and many more new places.
I wrote this play while living in the epicenter of Queens, NY, during the height of the pandemic. At the time, I was writing because it felt like that was the only thing that was able to move me forward. I wrote two plays, but I felt more connected to Rooted in Roux because it allowed me to connect with my ancestral lineage. The story transported me to the places involved within it, even though I was in lockdown. I gave up the news for writing, and many months later, things started to open back up, and I wrote my way out of one of the most gut-wrenching times in history. In those moments, I realized that I’m allowed to make art for myself and it doesn’t need to be attached to an end goal.
As I prepare to share this play, I remember a time when I didn’t think anyone would hear my words, and the only thing I want to happen during this festival is for people to hear them. I’m so happy we are all alive for this moment in theatre and time!
During the festival run, I’ll probably wear bright eyeshadow and have dance parties! I’m going to make the best out of my living room run!
“In times of pain, when the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment is the only safe place for me.”
― Julia Cameron,
