What are the themes of your play?
The main themes explored in The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars are grief and justice, but alongside those race, revenge, and family are also key to the play and Femi’s journey within it.
Why did you write it and why now?
I started working on the play after learning about the murder of James Byrd Jr. while watching Cameraperson. The documentary, while not about the case itself, made me think about the nature of hate crimes and how they impact communities. This subject has been relevant for hundreds of years, but today we hear the cries of loved ones more directly because of the internet. I wanted to reflect not just the sadness people feel as a result, but also the anger.
Which playwrights are you influenced by and in what way?
I tend to be influenced by writers who play with how they use language within their stories and how that changes the tone, atmosphere, and creates a unique musicality in their work. Suzan-Lori Parks, debbie tucker green, Wole Soyinka, and Tennessee Williams are amongst those playwrights.
What do you want to achieve as a playwright?
I want to tell stories that allow Black audiences to have conversations with one another about issues that might not be the easiest to confront or unpack.
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