Artists on Art: What is Feeding Season Theatremakers

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi: I treat reading the same way. Two of my siblings have books that just came out that I am excited to read Saint Seducing Gold and Her Own Happiness. I am also reading a bunch of Comics. Jean Grey, Ultimate Black Panther, The last Black Panther arc, Scarlet Witch, Wonder Woman, Titans and Birds of Prey have been one of my favorites, I am anticipating the new Storm Series.

Kinan Valdez: Comic books, what else!  Right now I’m doing a deep dive of The Amazing Spider-Man (7th series, 2022) via my Marvel Unlimited digital subscription. I’m looking at story conventions and visual dynamics to inspire the feel and flow of our production.

Cheyenne Barboza: For my reading list, I’ll jump back into the plays, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, King Hedley II, Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson. There’s a celebration of Wilson in Terrence’s work and these three plays are the oars used to steer this ship. Also diving into The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and A Good Cry by Nikki Giovanni.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING?

Valdez: These days I’m into various behind-the-scenes comic book documentaries. Currently I’m finishing up Marvel’s Behind the Mask (2021), an in-depth discussion on what makes a great Marvel comic character as told by BIPOC writers and artists who were once all inspired fans in their youth.

Barboza: In the play [Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny], there is a complex relationship between Terrence and the Christian faith. I minored in philosophy and religion in undergrad, so I’ve always gravitated toward documentaries that explore the divine and the dangerous aspects of organized religion. There are a plethora of documentaries on most streaming platforms that I peruse when I can.

Edidi: So many things. While I think watching T.V. can be a form of entertainment, I treat it like work. There is so much you can learn from the Visual Storytelling of film and television.

Here are some shows on my list. Miss Night And Day, a Hilarious and moving K drama that blends genres. It’s a thriller, a comedy, a drama all in one and has an intriguing mystery. Blue Eye Samurai which is visually stunning, action packed and heart breaking. This is an adult show however and not suitable for young audiences. Betty Le Fea, The Story Continues which is a continuation on the telenovela Ugly Betty was based on. Granite Harbor, Harry Wild, D.I. Ray. If you like mysteries and detective shows those are great ones. And I am about to start Queenie, The Rings of Power, and Season 2 of Reasonable Doubt.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

Barboza: Some of my reading list will be audio books, but additionally there’s an incredible podcast called, Dear Black Man, You Good? Which features a diverse group of Black men who converse, support each other, and unpack the Black male experience in America. This podcast is a helpful reminder of the nuances that exist.

Edidi: I listen to a bunch of music but these have been on my recent listening rotation. Marvilla So Vvamo, Aurora Lollyd Neptune, Gloria Grove Serenata da GG, Samara Joy Linger Awhile, Ludmilla Numanice #3, Sy Smith Until We Meet Again, La India Grandes Exitos, Somi Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, The Three Degrees. I also have rewatched Chaka Khan’s and SWV’s tiny desk concerts a bunch, The Three Degrees live 70s concert, and (for the grown folks) I have been listening to Millie Jackson Live and Uncensored. Her live version of This Is It is so good.

I’ll add Wendy Moten Time For Change and Dominique Morgan Pisces In E Flat Major to my list of music I am listening too. I am also anticipating Ahya Simone’s new album. She is a harpst, writer and vocalist.

Valdez: I’m plugged into Season 3 of the podcast Business Wars: Marvel Vs. DC  — for the second time! These episodes recount the maneuvers and machinations of the upstart Marvel comics as they change the industry in the 1960s by introducing complicated, flawed characters that resonate with new audiences. …Can you sense a theme here?