The Qommon Love
Play Cycle
The Qommon Love Play Cycle explores Black Queer Love and Drama spanning from the end of the 19th century to the present day. In this cycle are six plays: When God Speaks, T. J. Sylvester, Tequila Sunrise, Through the Grapevine, Mang’E Dog, and At Dawn. This past March, Blue produced and directed Tequila Sunrise for the CalArts Coffeehouse Theater.
Tequila Sunrise
Keynote Description
The making of a great Tequila Sunrise is simple - a delicate balance of Tequila, orange juice dancing with grenadine, and a cherry on top. Now think, what happens when you add too much or too little of an ingredient? Amidst the civil rights movement, Tequila Sunrise delves into the lives of two vibrant couples living audaciously yet loving discreetly when a prominent black pastor is accused of a heinous crime on Fat Tuesday.
Time
Mardi Gras, 1958
Place
Sweet water, Louisiana
This town is the epicenter for Black excellence in all of Louisiana. On the other side of the bridge is Wonder bread land, an equally thriving white community. This is not usually a place of social unrest, but any and everything is possible as the civil rights movement gains traction
across the nation.
“ I found God in myself, and I loved her fiercely. For me, it isn’t enough to love God and hope life will be better but rather love myself like I do God and work towards a better life. Love for oneself will see to it that you achieve just that.”
The Baltimore scene
The Baltimore Crown Awards was founded by poet, actress, curator, and playwright, Chin-Yer Wright of The Baltimore Scene. For over a decade, The Baltimore Scene has hosted The Crown Awards to formally recognize the many talented artists working in the city of Baltimore. Blue was nominated for two years in a row for the category of Actress of the Year. This is her performance from last year. Please enjoy!
“In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower.”
Thoughts Of A Colored Man
For the celebration of the Broadway play, THOUGHTS, returning home, alums above from left to right: Jha’Neal Blue, Coty Forno (Mountain City Center for the Arts), Sean Cercone (Founder and CEO Broadway Licensing), Kai B. White (Actress and Singer), Jeff Keilholtz (Vice President of Business Development at Broadway Licensing) and Keenan Scott II (Broadway playwright and Actor) came back to their alma mater, Frostburg State University to teach a series of Theatre Master Classes.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.”
Frostburg State University Commencement ‘18
Blue served as the commencement speaker for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Frostburg State University. Blue spoke about her time before her undergrad and the challenges she faced to become the woman and artist she is today. Many people in the audience were moved by her words of compassion for herself and others. She received a standing ovation, leaving many graduates and their families teary-eyed.
Yay, Blue!
Notable Awards/Mentions: President’s Award For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dean’s list 4.0 GPA, President of Spectrum, Dean’s Colloquium for the Direction of the Vagina Monologues, and a Member of FSU’s Title IX Task Force Team.
“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Arena Players Inc. Presents
Sunset Baby
“Dominique Morisseau’s words resonate with me as a Black woman first and foremost, and then as an artist. She weaves narratives that authentically capture the Black experience, steering clear of monolithic portrayals and stereotypes.”
Detroit ‘67
Actors pictured: Dazinsky Muscadin, Najah James, and Jha’Neal Blue.
“Dominique Morisseau accomplishes what American theatre has, since its inception, often failed to achieve: acknowledging the pivotal role of Black women in driving change. ”
Harry And The Thief
“I often contemplate where we, as Black people, might be if Mimi had indeed journeyed back to equip Harriet Tubman with modern firearms.”