“It's a beautiful recognition because it shows us that we are in spaces that people once tried to shut us out of. It means that change is happening. It means that we are beginning to be recognized for the culture that we've always brought to this industry…and we continue to do so, even when y'all don't deserve it. Because our humanity is just the same as yours. But because we live in a society that throws marginalized voices to the very bottom of the barrel, y'all refuse to see it until it is thrown in your face…what I have to remember at the end of the day is that this ain't about me. This is about helping my community.”
This week we chat with The Theater Offensive’s executive director, Giselle Byrd. We dive into how liberation and community has always been at the center of her artistic philosophy—from her leadership beginnings in college as President of 3rd Act to building momentum as a talent manager to crafting her vision as the first Black trans woman leading a regional theatre in America.
Recommendation: Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, anything by James Baldwin, Beyoncé’s Homecoming
Shout out: Martavius Parrish, Felicia Curry, Nate Myles, Miss Mojo, Jordyn Jay, B. Hawk Snipes, Daria Dee, Ianne Fields Stewart, Eva Reign, Qween Jean, Cecilia Gentili, Ceyenne Doroshow, Kimberly Drew, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, and Demond Green
Follow Giselle and The Theater Offensive on Instagram.
Comments