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.
In CAUGHT IN THE MIX, Kira Powell shares with us an intimate and vulnerable solo piece. As a mixed Black & Latina woman who grows up believing she is white, Kira will take us on a journey through her life as she struggles to find and accept her true identity. Kira’s vulnerability and truth carries us through the hard and painful topics surrounding anti-Blackness; we not only witness her growth towards self love, we go through our own.
Constance: What do you hope audience members take away after experiencing your show?
Kira: I hope the audience leaves with a piece of my soul and a connection to me and to the rest of their fellow audience members as they each watch and relate to different parts of my story. I hope it brings healing to those who need it.
Constance: What’s been your biggest challenge in terms of your development/creation process?
Kira: To know when to stop writing and to trust that the script is enough!
Constance: What are you enjoying most as you create your show?
Kira: I am enjoying looking through all of my childhood photos and videos! I am surprised by the amount I keep learning about myself through this process.
Constance: The work will be given away soon – how does that feel?
Kira Powell: I’m feeling very vulnerable, but also ready to share my story.
Constance: How long have you been sitting with this work? Why Fringe? Why this year?
Kira Powell: I started writing my story during quarantine in 2020 in the forms of essays and a memoir. But in 2021, I evolved it into a one-woman show when I received an email about a scholarship opportunity for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. I took it as a sign that it was time for me to get my show together. I ended up winning the scholarship, and that’s when I knew there was no looking back!
Constance: Anything extra? Please share!
Kira Powell: This was such a challenging but very rewarding process! I can’t believe I put a show together in the amount of time that I had. On top of that, I am healing and sharing my story. I’m so grateful for the opportunity!
For more information on CAUGHT IN THE MIX in #HFF21, visit http://hff21.co/7054
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