I return from Bourbon Street and I am filled with shrimp and grits and wonderful ideas and connections for my job as a diversity consultant. March 9th. I head to an audition. I watched two dancers literally get asked to leave because they were visibly ill. Now, some of you reading this may say well that's a good thing. But, March is audition season and performers will come with one good lung to an audition and no one blinks an eye. But on THIS day it was different. Oh and did I mention that Penn Station looked pretty empty. March 10th, Maya and I head to the movies to watch The Hunt. It is spring break for most colleges. I came with Clorox wipes for the seats and spray. Because now I am watching the COVID numbers, while secretly still hoping that I can go to Michigan and play Audrey 2.
And the next day the city of Philadelphia was on a stay at home order, and I was glued to the TV. The deaths, the numbers, the deaths, and I with the rest of America were left wondering what now?
So now cancellations are happening all over. Millions are filing for unemployment. Housing is being threatened. People are dying, and uprisings are occurring across the summer in a response to systemic racism, white supremacy, and murder by cops. And performing artists are left wondering what now?
Broadway, regional theater, TV, and film leadership start holding "town halls" and "conversations" about longtime racism in casting, show choices, directors, producers, and overall access. BIPOC artists unapologetically share their stories with the world, and start to create networks dedicated to making their voices heard. But much has still remained the same.
Virtual programs start and artists of course begin figuring out ways to be creative and seen. But many were not fully able to provide monetized pathways for themselves or other creatives. And then I start to think how can I be a catalyst for change instead of just talking about what could and should happen. So I write a proposal. An idea. I want it to be for Black women. I want it to be for Black trans and queer women. I want it to be a space to create original work with an actual team of professionals. I want it to be a residency that provides more than just a room, some snacks, and a name. I also want it to be virtual, intergenerational, and powerful. And more importantly, I want to pay people.
All the while, that this idea is brewing, I am also creating a BIPOC database. A space for BIPOC creatives to be seen by the world, but also find work. grant opportunities, and more. A space that takes away the "excuses." You know the ones. "I have always wanted to hire more POC but I just never know where to find them or they don't apply, or they are always busy." Excuses, excuses, excuses!
In a few months, from my house, during a pandemic, I locate over 100 BIPOC creatives and design a website. Done and done!
Now I start to think about what more can this "idea" offer. Can it be a space for theatre, film, TV, and other virtual programs? Yep! Can it be a space that can work with other production companies to create a powerful base to usher in more black centered content? Yes! Can it be a place for critical conversations about media? Yessss!! Now what to call it? Salon? Story Lab? What?! Then I start to think about my girlfriends and how we gathered before the corona. Over food, drinks, conversation, laughs, and dessert. Then I remembered the second to last meal I had with friends in person, and it was in New Orleans. Remember that trip? And Gumbo Lab hit my soul just like those grits and shrimp and I knew that I had the name. THE name that said "we have the necessary ingredients to make you shine and shake things up!"
So when people ask me Why Gumbo Lab? Why not?
Where else can you, as an artist, be welcomed into a space that not only offers beautiful community, a bomb ass team of directors and cinematographers, 10 professional workshops, and space. The space and time and accountability partners necessary to create an original script. A space that is not simply for "emerging" artists but is intergenerational. And where everyone looks like me and you!
So I say yes! We have 3 powerful new shows. And the response has been overwhelming positive and exciting. This is what happens when you have an idea, a clear direction, a dose of integrity, a work ethic, and an ask. This is what happens when you stop asking for permission and simply step into the truth of what can be. This is the power of Gumbo Lab. And I am so excited to see what comes next.
