MENA artists continue to work hard to create representation in large theatrical arenas by pushing for their work to be produced on contemporary stages. However, since some major theatres only allot 1 or 2 slots a year for plays by BIPOC artists, MENA artists have frequently been ignored. They have found other ways to create thriving artistic spaces for actors, directors, and playwrights alike. Masrah Cleveland Al Arabi has created a space for MENA artists to thrive. This artist-led organizational infrastructure serves as an example of how change can be made within existing theatrical structures. Today we are joined by Raymond Bobgan and Omar Kurdi.

Kunafa and Shay Season 2 Epsiode 7: Creating the Change: Featuring Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi with Raymond Bobgan and Omar Kurdi

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In this episode, Jordan Ealey and Leticia Ridley look at the life and legacy of playwright Robbie McCauley, who recently passed away. They discuss her work as a pioneer of solo performance as a Black woman and how she impacted the world of Black feminist theatre.

Daughters of Lorraine Season 3 Episode 10: I Write What Comes Up in My Body: Robbie McCauley's Theatre

In this episode, Jordan Ealey and Leticia Ridley interview artist/scholar Lisa B. Thompson. In their conversation with Lisa, they discuss navigating life as a Black feminist artist/scholar, putting some respect on Black theatre, and why Black theatre is an integral part of Black Studies.

Daughters of Lorraine Season 3 Episode 9: Put Some Respect on Black Theatre with Lisa B. Thompson

Jordan Ealey and Leticia Ridley of Daughters of Lorraine, a black feminist theatre podcast, interview award-winning and acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau on her recent Broadway productions of Ain’t Too Proud and Skeleton Crew, the future of Detroit theatre and performance, and reckoning with American history. Ealey and Ridley discuss Morisseau’s own practice of reparative creativity and the ability for theatre to serve as a rehearsal for true change.

Daughters of Lorraine Season 3 Episode 8: Dominique Morisseau’s Practice of the Possible

This episode is inspired by recent and current events regarding Roe v. Wade and their potential impact on birthing people. We think about the representation of reproductive justice (things such as abortion, contraception, and anything regarding decisions to birth or plan a family) especially from Black women playwrights. We discuss plays such as They That Sit in Darkness by Mary Burrill, Rachel by Angelina Weld Grimke, Come Down Burning by Kia Corthron, In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks, and Abortion Road Trip by Rachel Lynett. 

Kunafa and Shay Season 2 Epsiode 7: Creating the Change: Featuring Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi with Raymond Bobgan and Omar Kurdi

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