Vs.

When Tye escapes enslavement he understands that so long as he’s running, he is not free. Joining the British in their fight against the American Rebels is his path to liberation, but in time he comes to realize that his isn’t the only path and it may alienate him from others who care for him. Based on the story and legend of Colonel Tye, a Black man who escaped enslavement and fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Production: TheatreFirst, Berkeley (2017)

Just One Day

Just before going to church with her mother on the day before the nation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a federal holiday for the first time, Esther struggles with the many expectations she no longer wants to define her life. (Drama with song. 1-Act. 1W)

Production: Included in the anthology Between Us. TheatreFirst, Berkeley (2018)

Award: Theatre Bay Area “Best Anthology”

The Last Sermon of Sister Imani

Danielle and Adrien were once musical stars on the rise. Now they meet for the first time in years, both radically transformed by the death of Danielle’s brother which ended their musical collaborations. Danielle has become a spiritual guru, and Adrien a newly elected U.S. Representative. But rather than being a reunion, seeing one another becomes the catalyst for a battle of two irreconcilable philosophies for responding to the racism that still plagues the country. (Drama with songs. 2W)

Production: TheatreFirst, Berkeley (2019)

Award: Theatre Bay Area “Best Production” nominee

Flow

Gigi wants a baby. Gigi’s best friend, Bird, wants a raise. But these two best friends can’t get what they want nor maintain their decades long friendship without changing up a thing or two. (Comedy. 3W, 2M)

You Eat What You Kill

Visiting home, Junior shares the news of his newest employment and the prestige (as well as income) that comes with it. But as clear as it is that he’s become the success that his parents had hope and worked hard for, it’s also clear that he’s missed a critical lesson along the way. (Drama. Short Play. 1W, 2M)

Production: The Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles (2020); Best of PlayGround, San Francisco (2012 and 2020)

Before the Shadows of Night are Gone

Adapted from Frances Hwang’s short story “Nine Views from Cherry Hill” this play dramatizes the ripped-from-the-headlines trial “The People vs. Ray Furoku.” A thirty-eight-year old man has been charged for lewd and lascivious acts with a young girl, thirteen-years-old at the time their relationship began. As the details of their relationship are revealed through scenes of their time together and the testimonies of “eyewitnesses,” not only does the true nature of their relationship come into question but also for whom justice being served. (Drama. 4W, 3M)

Production: Reading UC Berkeley

Eastlake Lyrics

The Eastlake community of Oakland isn’t known for its honeybees, but this honeybee has decided the time is now. (One Act, 1 Nonspecific)

Production: Neighborhood Stories, Oakland (2020)

Oakland Tales

This adaptation from the novel Oakland Tales follows two Oakland teens on a journey through time to discover a history of their hometown they can relate to and a future for themselves they can believe in. Songs by Tammy L. Hall. (Drama with songs. 2M, 1W, and Ensemble of 8 for 20 additional characters)

Production: Skyline High School, Oakland (scheduled 2021)

Two Friends, a Toothbrush, and a Sense of Urgency

When Tone meets a despondent Dre, he finds that Dre has falling deeply in love, moved in with that love, and been kicked out all in just five days. Tone then listens to, chides, and ultimately advises Dre as only a very best friend could. (Comedy. Short Play. 2M)

Production: The Bench Plays, Los Altos/Online (2020); SF Playhouse (Reading), San Francisco (2020)