Ndanu loves new play development.
A couple of weeks ago, a very talented friend of mine asked me to join her project. At first, she just wanted me to act in it for reading. She said she wanted someone who knew what it was like to work in the service industry. Like most creatives, I have a lot of experience working as a server, in customer service, and retail. I mean, everyone has to pay their bills, right? Anyway, I was delighted to know that my friend wanted me to read for the lead, Chloe, a POC actress who was working as a waitress. She sent me the script immediately.
And then she asked me to be co writer. And I was blown away. First of all, the script was lively and had relatable characters. There was a clear voice and soul, which I loved about the piece. Second, I was so happy that someone asked for my help in that way. There is a certain amount of trust someone has in you when they ask you co-write with them. They allow you into their mind and soul, and they ask for your mind and soul in return. I couldn't resist. We spend days we re-working different things and finding the heartbeat of the show. We ended up with a product that we were both so proud of, and we performed it with the cast last night for a audience. They were trilled with the piece and it gave me hope. I love making people laugh, but also think about the world and how it functions.
I love new play development. I think that is something people don't really know about me. I love being in a room with other creatives, figuring out what we want to say, and how we want to say it. It makes my brain buzz in the best way possible. It's indescribable.
I loved the character of Chloe. She is witty, forgiving, and tough. She is team player, but has dreams of her own. She is unapologetic. I only hope that I will get the chance to really bring her to life in an actual production of this witty, funny, and beautiful play: "Sorry! We're Closed!".
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