Hey friends,
We did it: We had an idea, made a plan, and brought it to life! The life table reading of Rest in Piss, Devin Damuels was so much fun. Honestly, this was the first time experiencing my work and not cringing. The actors brought their A-game. The jokes I wrote landed. I loved the bits of improvisation. Director Okema T. Moore totally understood the assignment.
There’s so much I can say about that night. It was lovely collaborating with new creatives. And even more fun reuniting with old friends.
You know on the red carpet how famous artists are always gushing over each other and being ‘dramatic’? Well, I understood but now I really understand. Bringing an idea to life is not easy. Raising money to pay talent is hard work. As creatives trapped under capitalism, we get a lot of no’s so to finally have someone see us and allow us to do our thing is a great feeling.
Yes, RIPDD is headed to XL Fest in August. So excited to pitch this film to potential producers.
If you’re on Instagram, please give Okema’s IG post about the reading some love.
Special thanks to Devin Whitlock for endless emotional support. Friend, you have so much going on in your life and I’m thankful you let me be an little vampire for those few weeks…months…years. woosh.
Extra special thanks to R.O. my Creative Director/Executive Producer. Don’t know if we would even be here if you didn’t wake me up to write. Man, I hope I find that photo of your list of snacks for the table read. Love you mucho mucho.
Rachel Osbourne, Diane De La Haye, and Mariann Aalda were all super instrumental in helping me get my ducks in order.
Of course, big thanks to Troy Pryor and Creative Cypher for investing in this project and providing developmental resources.
I’ll share more in my next updates.
Black and CULTivated: a podcast about Black people and cults
Way back in 2014, LaNisa Frederick performed one of my scripts while at Northwestern. Ten years later we’re both still in the game. I’m happy she was available to read the role of Kelly in RIPDD. I’m more thankful we left our cults.
LaNisa has an amazing podcast called Black and CULTivated. Season one was recorded at KevOnStage Studios. If you see me in the comments section, share your thoughts and let’s continue the discourse.
Shout out to whoever did the theme song. It is a bop.
Evanston’s first Black-owned bookshop
Speaking of bringing dreams to reality, big congratulations to LT in the City for (hopefully) opening Evanston’s first Black-owned bookshop. Please follow their IG. We need more safe spaces for dreamers and book lovers.
