Tell me a bit about your show. What can audiences expect?
My show is part gig, part theatre, part meditation, part… other. It’s filled with music. It’s a story of one woman’s journey and the people that guide her through her life, including her ancestors and her extraordinary family line.
It’s a story about adversity and how one gets over that adversity. It’s a story of struggle, but also a story of hope.
It’s got grief, it’s got pain but it’s also got heart.
Some have described it as an awakening.
Why is this an important story for you to tell?
It is an important story for me to tell because I feel like I owe it to the generation coming up, to take responsibility for my part that I’ve played in this world.
Also, to my mother, who worked so hard to come to a strange land and go through so much in order to put food on a table for all her children.
I feel it’s important because when we talk about our stories, our experiences, that’s the only time we can heal.
Can you talk about some of the creative team involved?
It’s been an absolute collaboration because I had the story, but I didn’t have a structure. That’s where my Director Jo McInnes and the Hackney Showroom’s team with Nina Lyndon and Sam Curtis-Lindsay stepped in, as well as Associate Director, Martina Laird.
They really had a hand in helping me to structure the piece. Jo McInnes is an extraordinary theater maker, and I actually don’t think I’ve ever worked with anyone like her.
Also, my Musical Director Christella [Latras] is amazing and helped bring the music to life.
I know it sounds cliche, but it was really a dream team, and I hope that audiences will give themselves permission to enjoy and own their stories, to claim their stories, and to be inspired.
What’s next for you and how are you feeling about the future in general?
I feel really hopeful about the future. I’m in a good space because I feel like I’ve done a lot of groundwork throughout my life.
I’d love to tour this to Jamaica one day as that is one of my favourite places.
But for now, I’m really excited about the UK tour coming up with The Legends of Them – and I’m still writing other scripts. I’m putting my hand to turn this show into a TV series and there’s been a few conversations around that.
Otherwise: I still love music – it’s still a passion of mine and I’m doing a few live music shows. And my greatest hits album has just come out with all the music I’ve made in the last 40 years on it.
So, what else can I ask for? I’m just giving thanks and praises for all these blessings.
The Legends of Them – Here & Now Showcase, Zoo Southside, 19-24 Aug, 5.25pm