Review Fix chats with playwright Lecresha Berry about her newest production “Brown Girl Bluegrass,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Berry discusses her excitement at being a part of the festival as well as their creative process and what makes her a unique playwright.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Lecresha Berry: Growing up in Kentucky and being around the geography and sentiments of the people living there inspired me to write it. Also, my mentor, Frank X Walker, wrote a poetry book, Affrilachia–it changed my life about poetry and growing up in a country world as a black girl. That was a huge inspiration.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Berry: My show is a musical so music came to me first. Music usually comes to me first. I tell stories through my music too so once I had the stories captured in a melody, the prose and poetry of the show came easier. I usually think about what I want to say, hum the melody, and I write a ton on the train.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Berry: My work is authentic and I’m highlighting historical figures whose lives are highly celebrated. It’s my job to tell their stories. Authentic for me means I’m speaking from my knowledge and experience without compromising my integrity. Telling my truth unashamed. Most of my work is autobiographical so it makes it honest and unapologetic.
Review Fix: If this what you always wanted to do?
Berry: I’ve always wanted to perform. I have a degree in theater from the university of Kentucky so I’ve been honing my craft for years. I sang my whole life and still all over the city so, performing is at the core of my being. It’s my calling, truly.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Berry: This production highlights important Kentuckians that I didn’t learn of in my history books in school. It parallels with the stories of my family heritage. So, it’s quite personal. Each character has a song and story connected with a geographical aspect of Kentucky. It’s like an interactive social studies textbook with songs and personal stories.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Berry: I’ve learned that my past shaped me as an individual in this world and if I don’t share my story, someone else will. So, it’s my duty to tell it unapologetically. Even if it pushes the envelope, I must push through and share this work. I’ve also learned that my work is healing. Facing my past helps me heal and deal inside my present stronger.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Berry: I’m overjoyed with being chosen. This is my first festival so I’m genuinely excited!
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Berry: My goals for this production is to travel and share this work with communities all over the world and connect with other people sharing their stories. I would definitely love to create a class and a space in an educational campus for this show since its quite historical. I’d also like a residency either in KY or NYC for a few weeks or so as well.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Berry: Anybody who loves music or loves history.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Berry: I’m currently in the brainstorming process for my next show. I’m researching and developing now.
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