Tell us a little bit about where you’re from…
I am from the Bronx, NY, and my family is from South Carolina, so I like to call myself a southern raised Yankee:)
What most excited you about playing Maya in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? What, if anything, were you nervous about?
Maya Angelou is a huge reason why I started writing poetry myself. Her legacy is astounding, so stepping into her shoes and story is a dream! Sure, I can be a little nervous about honoring her voice: I love and respect her as an artist and human. We want to honor her story well, and I think that’s what keeps us honest and lifted up.
Tell us about your favorite Maya Angelou book, poem, or quote?
She was a survivor and victor in her life, so my favorite is a gorgeous stanza from the poem “Caged Bird”-The caged bird sings /with a fearful trill /of things unknown /but longed for still /and his tune is heard /on the distant hill /for the caged bird /sings of freedom.
The best thing about being an actor is…
I get to learn about other people and periods of time, and see the world through different points of view.
If I weren’t an actor, I would be…
A fashion designer (I LOVE a good wardrobe honey❤️!)
What advice would you give kids who want to be an actor too?
Never forget to play, always remember to listen! The most important thing we do as actors is keeping our ears open to those around us. It helps on stage, and off stage too!
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!
