We know that when there is cultural and racial equality in theatre, it makes room for artists from all walks of life to contribute to the history of theatre. This past year has reinforced what we have been doing at LAFPI – putting women of all kinds first! It is vital that we make space and open doors wider for women from all cultural backgrounds if we are to have a bold, forward thinking American Theatre that reflects America.
Justice? Or… Just Me?: The Bite is a the first part of a trilogy that examines what justice looks like from the perspective of a Black woman in a violent marriage to a white man. Lorinda takes on a journey that navigates what happens when a woman of color dares to fight back. Yet, we get deeper into the truth of a broken system when the Black woman asks for help. Will the help she receives be what she deserves? Through multi-storytelling techniques, the show leaves us asking and needing to decide if justice is for all… or just some? Lorinda’s character must ask the question, “Is this what justice looks like for everybody? Or just me?”
Constance: Why Fringe? Why this year? And how long have you been sitting with this work?
Lorinda: For 13 years. I’ve been wanting to have my own show in Fringe since I first experienced Fringe through a friend of mine’s solo show in 2010. After that I was blessed to be in a Fringe show – shout out to Rochester, 1996 – that won the Golden Key Award in 2018. When I was doing that show, I was actually realizing another dream of performing a 10 minute piece of Justice? Or…Just Me? at REDCAT. I was able to do both the REDCAT Spring Studio and the Rochester performances of Rochester, 1996. But all the while, I was taking notes for when I would be able to do my full length show in the Hollywood Fringe Festival. I tried last year for a scholarship and wasn’t able to get one. This year I was!!!
Constance: What are you enjoying most as you create your show?
Lorinda: What I enjoy most is that good or bad, I’ll know that it truly is my dream/vision.
Constance: What has been the most surprising discovery?
Lorinda: That there are people out there who are happy to help without needing a ton of money.
Constance: What’s been your biggest challenge in terms of your development/creation process?
Lorinda: Finding uninterrupted time and finances.
Constance: And what do you hope audience members take away after experiencing your show?
Lorinda: I hope audience members take away a different perspective on domestic violence. I hope my show triggers an even more in depth conversation about it and real solutions and legislation.
Constance: The work will be given away soon – how does that feel?
Lorinda: Exhilarating and terrifying.
Extra! Extra! If you have the ability to support an independent artist Lorinda is raising funds via Fractured Atlas and has a new book out on Amazon that is as powerful as her solo show.
Click Here to Order Justice? Or…Just Me?: The Bite
For more information on Justice? Or… Just Me?: The Bite in #HFF21, visit http://hff21.co/6617
Click Here For More “Women on the Fringe”
