Tori and Mabelle talk with Delicia about how a chance elective in 8th grade led to her love of theatre; why she loves the bravery of actors; and why theatre at its best is subversive. Other topics discussed include Delicia’s role as an Artist in Residence at The Old Globe, the importance of mentorship, and her goal to give voice to Black women.
Writing Prompt (courtesy of Delicia Turner Sonnenberg)
Something Scary. Write a scary story or about something that scares you, literally or figuratively. Delicia adds, “I like this definition of courage that bravery or fearlessness is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of fear. … Speaking our truths and telling the truth onstage through writing or directing is a very scary thing but in order to push conversations forward, we have to face those fears and act in the face of them.”
Delicia’s bio:
Founder and former Artistic Director of MOXIE Theatre for 12 acclaimed seasons (Des McAnuff New Visions Award for risk-taking leadership and body of work, 2015 Director of the Year Award from San Diego Theatre Critics Circle). Directing credits: The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Humana Festival, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, New Village Arts, more. Honors: Theatre Communications Group’s New Generations Program grant, San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Awards, Women’s International Center Living Legacy Award, Second Stage Theatre’s Van Lier Fund fellowship, New York Drama League’s Directors Project.
See “Trouble in Mind” at The Old Globe: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/22-season/trouble-in-mind/#/calendar?startDate=2022-02-01&%3FendDate=2022-02-28
Read the New York Times article mentioned by Tori in the episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/03/theater/alice-childress-trouble-in-mind.html
Purchase Alice Childress’s “Trouble in Mind”: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Mind-Alice-Childress/dp/1636700152/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1636700152&psc=1
Sign up for Alvaro’s “The Texican Chisme” E-letter. Be inspired and you might also win something!: http://eepurl.com/hKLScn
Check out Mabelle’s work, along with other enormously talented writers at the Roustabouts Celebration of New Writers of Color on Friday, February 25. More details here: https://www.theroustabouts.org/newwriters.
Discount tix for “Bhangin’ It: A Bangin’ New Musical,” book by Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza at La Jolla Playhouse:
Valid for Performance Dates: Tuesday, March 15 – Saturday, March 19
Promo code: HEYPLAY
To apply your discount, insert promo code in the top right box of purchase page.
Price: $49 for Area 1 Seating, $39 for Area 2 Seating