Five women take the stage in Southern Rep’s newest play, Eclipsed

Editor’s Note: In celebration of Southern Rep’s newest play, Eclipsed–written by Danai Gurira and directed by Malika Oyetimein–we talked with the five women who will take the stage opening night on April 18. Eclipsed is the story of five women, and their lives are set on a nightmarish detour by the Liberian Civil War. As they navigate the dangers of captivity and imagine what the future could hold, the arrival of a new girl threatens to upend their delicately balanced community.

Southern Rep’s production of Eclipsed will run from April 18- May 16 (Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 at Loyola University, Marquette Theatre). You can purchase tickets here.

Name: LaSharron

Role in Eclipsed: Bessie 

 

Favorite line from the play:“I tell you, if Clinto see me, he gone forget dat white wife, she betta not let him come here.”

 

 

What advice in life would you take from your character? Bessie is such a dynamic individual and people misunderstand her intelligence. She is observant, witty, although she deals with insecurities. She’s every woman, and she taught me to embrace myself wherever I am in my journey as a woman and to not let anyone overpower my decision once I’ve made up my mind.  

 

 

What ritual do you have to get ready for a performance? PRAY! Prayer changes things. I also like to do a little chant that says, “All that is good, and accomplished in this world takes work!” This helps create energy energy in the room, as well as center my mind for the performance. 

 

 

If you could take one piece of the set design with you, what would it be and why? Hmmmm. I believe I would take the palm trees. Every time I see them I want to lay down on a beach. 

 

Why is performing this play in New Orleans, specifically, incredibly important? As a Black/African American woman I deal with many challenges. Among those struggles, are finding roles that tell an updated experience and allows me to step outside of the “angry black lady” or “sassy comedic smart mouth” or our favorite depiction “the slave.” In the South especially, I think New Orleans needs to see these women because it sheds a light on our vulnerable state, but also shows how we overcome all obstacles. New Orleans needs to see Black/ African women are human.

What was the most common food ordered/eaten during rehearsals?

Outside of coffee? That would have to be sandwiches.