I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Design Inspirations

Interviews
To celebrate the final weekend of performances of Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, we asked members of the creative team what inspired their designs for the show! See what they had to say...
Creative Clubhouse KIDS

We asked the creative team:

What was your inspiration when helping to create Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

Since this show highlights the early journey to success and prominence of Maya Angelou, I wanted to reach back into the archives of photos, videos, and interviews when she was younger working as a singer and dancer.

Khalia Davis

Director, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Idris Goodwin were my north stars during this process.

Janna Segal

Co-Adapter and Dramaturg, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou is someone I grew up inspired by, learning about her in elementary and middle school when I learned about other in influential Black women such as Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, and Michelle Obama. Childlike inspiration is riveting, and I strived to draw motivation from sensory details– smell, sound, touch, and even taste, all as a sound designer.

Twi McCallum

Sound Designer, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya’s words and her refuge in books, the ground of Stamps AK, the warmth of wooden buildings, and her promise of liberation.

Rodrigo Hernandez Martinez

Scenic and Costume Design, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The inspiration was mostly from the way things from the past are preserved in memories. As Maya looks back on her life, certain items spark intense and meaningful memories. Even though these items are from the 1930s, they still look the way she remembers them instead of aging with the rest of the world.

Evangeline Dillard

Props Designer, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I am constantly inspired by the Cherrye, Khalia, and the designers shaping this amazing piece.

Mel Ryan

Production Stage Manager, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

When I learned about the opportunity to be Assistant Stage Manager for this production, I was so excited! I am passionate about theatre, and being able to have my first fully in-person experience since the pandemic with such a wonderful play was a huge honor and inspiration. I am also inspired by Maya Angelou, herself. Her writing and her activist work inspire me in my own art and activism.

Sami Binder

Assistant Stage Manager, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Learn more about NYCCT’s production of Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings!

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