When I began working on this show in 2009 I never thought this far into the future. At the time I wanted to create something that was theater based and brought Black lesbians together. We had watched the L Word, every single episode; discussed it, laughed with it and critiqued it. The common feeling was that none of us felt represented on the show and always had this hope that would change. Once the show came to an end, that was it. So now what? I couldn't shake the feeling that I had something that would settle this craving so I started writing. My friends and I would be at a party or some type of gathering and every situation became a show to me. So I wrote it down.
It wasn't until after my own deep heartache and pain through a couple of relationships that I felt more compelled to create something solid. Once I experienced domestic violence first hand I started to see how important this show could be for so many different people and how we could address so many different topics. Up until this moment I hadn't written anything "dark" but always knew we, as a community, dealt with domestic violence and rape. And then it came to me, this show would be a journey.
My new relationship helped me put the necessary wheels in motion. It gave me new material and most importantly the support I needed to make this all happen. I was ready. After I made the decision to curate a full show it materialized soooooo quickly!! It still blows my mind that it all came together so beautifully. I was even able to bring in a few artists who performed their original pieces, truly creating a unique journey in each city (much love to Ophelia, Khatt Taylor and Ms. Sho King!)
VIC is about community, period. And with the show in Oakland it was no longer just about Black lesbians, it was about all of the queer women of color I was surrounded by. We all shared a life together, ups and downs. Not only was I able to pull their stories and create original pieces but so many of these women supported me by volunteering their time, their services and encouragement. It was everything this show represents. So when we performed to a packed house I could do nothing but give appreciation to all who had been involved.
**Sorry this is so long but please bear with me a little longer**
After each show I've done (Oakland, San Diego and now LA) there's always a group of women who share their appreciation for what my cast and I have done on stage. With this shower of appreciation I send my own; to those who have trusted me with shaing their stories, to the cast for each show who has pushed themselves to bring truth to the stage, to all of my friends and family who have guided me along, to the audience members who allow themselves to feel each piece's truth and to my own spirit to not be broken when I've hit a wall.
So here I am. October 12th was the day I never could've imagined! I was thrilled and to be honest surprised we had another packed house with standing room only! I don't know as many people in LA so I was unsure of how many people would actually come out but they did....and they were with us every step of the way. I heard it was the first time some of the women who identified as qwoc (queer women of color) had been surrounded by other qwoc's! That was amazing to me. I watched women squirm in their seat and grin while watching Beauty of Her Body, couple's jab each other during Lesbian Bed Death because they knew the feeling of being distant from their partner, ladies in shock during Two Stories because they couldn't believe this woman had been shot, tears during It Happened To Me because they felt the pain of being raped, deep laughter during I'm Bisexual because they didn't expect the "stud" to be in love with a man, gentle smiles during What Is Love as they remember love is life and many bright eyes and head nods during I Am Different because they recognize the power in being themselves.
This show was everything to me. It has helped me see that I can do A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G with Voices In Color as long as I Never Give Up and trust me, I won't. With completing shows in 3 major cities I'm ready to create a plan for what is next. More shows, a college tour and a regular set up so we can open the doors for other creative writers to curate their own one-acts telling their original stories. I have lots of work to do but I'm ready for the world.
Thank you Universe for the continued protection of my spirit, we are in rhythm!
Peace,
Kiki
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