Carolyn Renee has enjoyed a successful career as an actor (“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf"), but has now turned her sights to writing—this month she'll be presenting a reading of her play, “The Mother Daughter Dialogues,” the story of four generations of African-American women, their challenges and triumphs. We spoke with Carolyn on her influences and why she chose the topic of mothers and daughters.
You have something of a non-traditional approach to acting. Tell us a bit about your history as an actor?
I was bitten by the theater bug 23 years ago when I performed in “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” by Ntozake Shange. At the time I was going through a tremendous personal challenge very much like the character I portrayed. I witnessed the healing power of theater at that time, and realized that the stage was a place I wanted to express myself. Once I became a mother of three children, I filtered my creative projects through that experience of being a mom. I partnered with a group of professional storytellers, learned that craft and performed and produced events in that infused storytelling, music, and theater. My efforts were recognized by The Mississippi Arts Commission, and I was ultimately hired by Alternate ROOTS as Executive Director.
What is the process you follow as a producer?
Once an idea feels like the right thing for me to do, I will make a list of the key players for my idea. Arrange meetings with them to vet the idea, and if I have support, I advance forward. Most times for me that involves asking the following:
What value can this art create for the community, for my life, and for society?
What time commitment in the way of people, resources, and my own life are required to be successful?
Which artists need to be at the table?
What will success look like?
What is the budget?
What is my action plan and timeline?
Why mothers and daughters?
As an artist what has consistently attracted me is using art as a way to heal and advance life. As a mother of two daughters, I met mothers who were facing serious challenges with their daughters between the ages of 16 and 21. My then 20-year-old daughter and I began having a dialogue about how we could use our art to help other mothers and daughters. From there I used my questioning process for taking on any project, and doors began to open. I ran into Sandra Hughes, a playwright, musician and actor friend whom I'd been longing to work with. She turned me on to some resources through the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. I attended a workshop and developed what has become my play, “The Mother Daughter Dialogues.” The plan is to further develop the play for a full production and premiere between now and spring of 2016. In the meantime, we are ready to workshop the play to get feedback and continue working.
Did you obtain any outside funding sources?
I received an artist grant from the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs to actually mentor with Sandra Hughes, and write my play. However, I am launching a funding campaign to advance the work. The Mother Daughter Dialogues had a community outreach component tied to it, where I hosted a series of community dialogues. More than 100 women participated in the community dialogues. The goal is to continue to build funding support and dialogues for the healing of women in diverse communities.
What are the pros and cons of working in Atlanta?
Pros—we are the new hub for film and television. Cons? Racism is alive and well in 2015.
What advice can you give actors who are trying to chart their own course?
Do what you love in service to those who love what they do, and doors will open. There are lots of traditional models that don't serve everyone. I believe in being a trailblazer. Get out there and network, and make it happen!
The readings of “The Mother Daughter Dialogues” are free to the public and take place on Saturday, May 9 at 7 pm and Sunday, May 10 at 7 pm in the Gateway Performance Productions’ black box theater in Atlanta, Ga.
Inspired by this post? Check out our Atlanta audition listings!