One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Monday, December 2, 2013

From left to right seated: Rasheeda Wright, Brianna Green, Latisha Elliott, Rhonda Davis, Janae Hack, Tai-lhani Mcbride, Darlene Smith.
From left to right standing: Stacy Scott, Harry Gonzalez, Samira Naqrouche, Janeque Campbell, Kevin Sligh,Fajr El, Joshua Bright, Warith Muhammad, Terrill Johnson, Dominique Turner.

     During the Fall of 2013, I had the privilege to work with sixteen of the brightest, funniest group of young people in the production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The play was an adaptation from the book by Ken Kesey. Directed by our professor, Dr. Hall-Karambe, this production was a work of love.

     Don't get me wrong, going into this type of production was new to me and granted it was truly more hard work than I  ever thought it would be, and it has really given me a greater appreciation of the work that goes into this type of art. Theater is definitely not for those not dedicated to the outcome of the project. If you go in, you go in for the duration, you become a part of a family of artists that depend on each other every step of the way, one missing link can cause a catastrophic shift in what has been practiced, rehearsed and planned for that opening night show.

     I guess if I had to say what is the most important lesson that I'm taking away from this experience is, as you enter this type of project, leave your ego at the door. There will be times that you will want to rant and rave, and there will be times that you WILL rant and rave, but ego has no place in a place full of egoes. Only let your ego out at the final bow, when all is said and done, and you have an amazing performance on your list of accomplishments and a smile on your face that will shine every time you think about it.

     To my cast-mates, and the technical staff, I bow to you all, and say thank you, for the most wonderful time of my life. To my mentor for theater, Dr. Hall-Karambe, I say, I love you and thank you for believing in us all