Every week, the culture critics at Token Theatre Friends bring their fresh perspectives to the performing arts on their podcast and video series. The podcast can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher (look for the all-red logo) The video series is available on YouTube. The TTF theme song is composed by Sean Mason (with vocals by Angela Ramos). The video animation is created by Brad Ogden, with logos by Jason Simon.
In this episode Jose and Juan Michael speak with Donja R. Love, the award-winning Afro-Queer playwright about why authentic representation is essential. In each of his plays, Love centers the lives of Black, Queer, and HIV positive lives. They show viewers what it means to love in a time of slavery (Sugar in Our Wounds), to hide in plain sight (Fireflies), to process one’s grief (one-in-two), and to embrace vulnerability (soft).
Donja spills the tea on what motivates him, his love for Black people, and how he handles anyone stuck in “the sunken place”. He also speaks about helping others tap into their own creative voices through “Write it Out”, a 10-week virtual playwriting program that he conceived specifically for artists living with HIV. Their work premieres on December 1st, World AIDS Day in a virtual presentation produced by National Queer Theatre. Donja is excited for everyone to see the brilliance that he helped nurture and encourages everyone to register for the free showing.
References:
- “Write it Out” at the National Queer Theatre.
- Fireflies at Atlantic Theater Company.
- Sugar in Our Wounds, official website for the play.
- Token Theatre Friends, Episode “Donja R. Love and the Urgency of one-in-two.”