W*rk Lab Finalist Spotlight: November Christine
We received an unprecedented 59 applications for The W*rk Lab, leaving us hopelessly in love with 59 profound writing teams. Because we were only able to support the development of four new musicals, but were so moved by the w*rk, we’ll be shining a light on our finalists for the next few weeks on Sappho Small Talk.
Here is our chat with November; a writer that is, no doubt, changing the musical theater landscape.
To begin, Sappho is our “muse.” Would you say you have a writing muse? If so, who?
My inspiration changes with each project. Right now I’m writing an interactive Play-by-Mail about Ida B. Wells, a personal hero of mine and a real badass. Ida B. Wells was an investigative journalist who spoke out against the lynching of Black men and women in the years following the Civil War. I’m excited to tell Ida’s story in this new way because I want people to know Ida as a human being, not just a name in a history book.
How are you finding your voice as a new writer within the musical theater landscape?
I’ll be honest; the theater world has not made it easy to develop my voice as a Black female writer. I find that most developmental/mentorship programs support only a “favored few” in the BIPOC community, ignoring a large and thriving population of diverse voices and perspectives. Most of my work is developed and produced independently, which is financially challenging, but empowering in its own way.
What are the themes and ideas you're most excited about exploring within your writing?
I tend to write about self exploration. I challenge the viewer to see the truth of who they are -- even if that truth isn’t particularly “nice” or “good.” I also like to write about the power of words. The pen really is mightier than the sword--maybe that’s why I became a writer.
Who is your target audience and how are you hoping to impact them?
My work is for anyone who not only wants to see progress, but wants to be an instrument of change. As a Black, bisexual woman, I hope to empower women and TGNC people, specifically in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
Is there a song that encapsulates your artistic identity?
My song A WOMAN’S WORTH from Legacy the Musical is one of my favorite songs, and a personal one. It’s about a young woman who’s been told that it’s safer to be small, quiet, practical; but the woman is realizing she doesn’t want to be safe. She wants to be dangerous, loud, powerful -- because that’s who she was created to be.
Where can we see some of your work?!
Click here for tickets to “IDA,” my interactive Play-by-Mail about Ida B. Wells. Tickets available online through Dec. 31, 2020!
November Christine holds a degree in Cellular Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland, as well as a BM in Musical Theatre from the East Carolina University School of Music. An emerging playwright, Ms. Christine produced her first musical MIRROR, MIRROR at the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival, followed by a 3-week run in Los Angeles, CA. November’s historical hip-hop drama, LEGACY THE MUSICAL which was showcased in London in 2017 and won “Best of Fest” at the 2018 New York Musical Festival. November also produces MUSIC THAT MATTERS, a music video series that uses her musical theatre compositions to address current political issues.