standing in the sun
stage plays. lessons after 40. a return to self.
Spring is near. I can feel it in the air. The days are longer (finally). The sun peeks through my windows as a foreshadow of what’s to come. Warmer days. The other day I told my 7-year-old daughter, “Go stand in the sun”. While on a rehearsal break at the theatre a few days ago our director, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, said she was going to sit in the sun. It wasn’t a coincidence. The theme for this week, or dare I say this season, is “Standing in the sun”.
Since the last time we spoke I received a grant from the city of Chicago (DCASE) for my stage play, The Last Senior Home in Bronzeville. I found out a week before Christmas that we would be receiving the grant and spent winter break completing the play.
The play is a Drama/Comedy that takes place present day, on the South side of Chicago, at Daley’s Senior Home. The neighborhood that birthed Nat King Cole, Redd Foxx, Sam Cook, Quincy Jones and more finds itself being heavily gentrified, and its historical value diminishing fast. With Daley’s being the last senior home in the community, the residents find themselves at risk of being displaced, unless they all agree to fight back - senior citizen style.
We had two public readings. My family and friends came. My former acting professor from CoIumbia College, Lydia Diamond, was in attendance. Artistic directors and theatre makers who I have revered for years came out. I was in a state of pure bliss. I expected people to laugh during the play, but I honestly wasn’t prepared for people to shed tears. The feedback has been overwhelming and I’m honestly still processing it all. More performances have been requested and we are in conversation with one of the oldest and highly respected theatres in the city. I can’t believe my life.
On one hand I feel like things are happening quickly and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t be upset if they moved a bit quicker. On the other hand, I know things aren’t moving as fast as they appear. This has been in the works for 20 years. 20 years of blindly chasing other career paths. 20 years of being distracted. 20 years of doubting myself. It actually saddens me when I think about how much time it took for me to come back to myself. However, God has proven faithful to restore the years I “thought” I lost.
Aside from being immersed in the world of theater, I’ve found myself changing. A common theme I heard about turning 40, was the passion I’d suddenly have to advocate for myself more. I was told turning 40 would bring about a “take no prisoners” attitude and this is true. However, I’m pleasantly surprised to discover how turning 40 has softened my heart. I want to look people in the eyes more. I desire to listen, just for the sake of listening. In a room full of successful people, I’m no longer impressed with who’s the president of this company or how many followers one has. I want to know where you plan to take your children for summer vacation or your favorite thing about your mother. Those are the things that move me. My cousin Nia posted on Threads, “God is changing me”, and those are my exact sentiments. God is making me softer. Better. In the words of Bevvy Smith, “It gets greater, later”.
I’m delighted to share this journey with you. I plan to meet you all here once a week (Mondays). Meanwhile, I dusted off my YouTube channel and even filmed my first #yappingsession Check it out here. The goal is to share my journey as daughter of God, wife, mama and playwright.
Lastly, if you’re in Chicago, I’d love for you to join me for a #PlayDate. On April 6th, 2025 we’re going to Definition Theatre for the matinee of “Splash Hatch On The E Going Down” at 3 p.m. Please use the code "FRIENDS30" for 30% off tickets. Grab your tickets here. Please let me know if you plan to come.
Thank you for being here. I hope to see you standing in the sun.
Your Favorite Cousin,
Nikki