Along the Nile - Closing Speech

I missed #WorldTheatreDay on yesterday, so here is my offering on today. The closing speech and ritual from Along the Nile.
I feel very fortunate to have found theatre, it has been my life, shaped my life, and saved my life. The art that stands in the forefront is my being a playwright, but for me being a playwright is also being a director. I love writing plays, but the experience of bringing them to life is the fire. In 2008/09 I was told I was not qualified to direct my first play, The Birthday Dinner. I did not accept that no, and was fortunate that Professor Justin Bates extended himself and allowed me an opportunity that technically gave me enough qualifications to direct. That very moment defined my life.
Who would I have been if I have listened…accepted the “no?”
Who would I have been if my professor didn’t believe in me, care enough to create a “yes” for me?
Who would I be if I didn’t listen, trust, and speak with/from the voice within?
I didn’t get to thank Justin Bates in the speech, but my gratitude for him is limitless. Thank you to Nyetta Meaux-Moore and Patricia Austin for inspiring me to write. Thank you to Sara Birk, Camille Bulliard, and the UL Performing Arts Department for allowing me to create art the way in which I create art.
Additionally I would like to thank Tiffany Vega-Gibson who helped me in creating this closing ritual during Where the Suga Still Sweet. I intend to implement it for every show I can.