Today, I learned that the Tony Award winning revival of Once on This Island is closing in January. Naturally, I was filled with sadness when I heard the news because I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Once on This Island; however, my grief goes much deeper. I was so overcome with artistic inspiration after seeing the show, so I had to let it out, so I wrote this ‘poem’ (I guess…I’m not a poet).
Thank you, Once on This Island.
Thank you for telling the story. Thank you for reminding me of the power of storytelling. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of commitment to the integrity of the story. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of my art form. Thank you for telling me that my black is beautiful. Thank you for telling me that my ability to tell my story is just as valid as anyone else’s. Thank you Isaac Cole Powell and Hailey Kilgore for reminding me that dreams can come true. #BUTC Thank you for invigorating me as a black musical theatre artist.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you
Once on This Island was more than an enjoyable experience. It resonated with me on such a deep level that at curtain call, I could feel the energy of my atoms flowing through my body. It was one of the inspiring pieces of theatre that I’ve ever seen because it inspired me in almost every aspect of my artistry possible, and I can’t name a lot of other shows that do that. My life was changed as a dramaturg, black artist, dancer, singer, academic, queer artist (knowing the cast members that are LGBT), and citizen of the world. I cry for the truly innovative pieces of theatre that don’t get the recognition and longevity they deserve (RIP Great Comet), but instead of living in the grief, I choose to revel in the beauty while it lasted and remain changed, so that I will eventually be the one to change someone else.
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