McKenna Deen, our Digital Content and Communication Manager at ACT, talked with Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako about the upcoming production of STEW at ACT as well as Nako’s role in the theatre world. Learn more about STEW here.
Deen: You’ve been on the ACT stage in quite a few roles. How does it feel to make your directorial debut at ACT?
Nako: I had a great time working with John Langs as the Associate Director of ACT’s 2022 production of Sweat, so the offer to helm my own production was an incredibly exciting opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’ve learned so much from the challenging variety of roles I’ve been able to play at ACT both on stage and off in my work as a Core Company member. I am delighted to add “Director” to that list of roles, and I’m deeply moved that I get to make my debut with this beautiful play.
Deen: Could you tell us about how you balance life as a writer, director, and actor? What attracts you to each role?
Nako: As soon as I figure that out, I’ll let you know! Balance is elusive for many folks who make their living as artists. We tend to cycle back and forth between seasons of abundance and dry spells, and the patchwork nature of our employment can make stability a real challenge. I love the specificity, creativity, and collaboration that is required to do this work well. I’m attracted to projects that pique my curiosity, and I especially love taking on roles where I see an opportunity to subvert expectations.
Deen: How does STEW speak to you?
Nako: STEW speaks to the complex humanity of Black womanhood. It doesn’t limit or simplify our experience. These women are intelligent, passionate, joyful, curious, afraid, hopeful, vulnerable, courageous, loving, and yes angry–because why the hell shouldn’t they be? Zora Howard gives us this rich language with many, many layers of meaning. Each time I read this play I discover another moment in which I understand something new about these characters that I am convinced I already know so well, and I’m humbled to have them remind me that there is always more to learn.
Deen: You put the STEW cast together with the casting director. What is so exciting about this cast?
Nako: Each person in this cast is a smart artist whose individual and collaborative approach to storytelling excites me. I was looking for actors who were very willing to play. As you’ll see in this production, things aren’t quite what they seem in the world I’ve envisioned for this piece, so I really needed people who understood the assignment and these actors absolutely do.
Deen: What’s next for you?
Nako: Putting my writer’s hat back on! My new musical Photosynthesis was featured in Goodspeed’s 2024 Festival of New Musicals in January. My next goal is to record a demo album and mount a workshop production. The story, set in Seattle’s Central District, centers a Black woman searching for light in dark times. For news and updates about this project, please sign up for the mailing list at www.photosynthesismusical.com!