Prologue: Ms. Venita Marie Abrams, aka ‘Queen’, a prolific Chicago playwright, poet, and author is a graduate of Columbia University and the founder of Ne-ke’s Theatre Company. I recently caught up with Ms. Abrams as she was taking a brief respite from her busy schedule.
E: “Good afternoon, Ms. Abrams, I hope you are well. I know you must be exhausted from working on your latest production. However, once you have collected yourself, we’d love to hear about your early years.”
V: “Certainly, Ms. Cogdell! I was raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, along with my four siblings (3 sisters and 1 brother). Because both my parents had issues my maternal grandmother became my official guardian. In turn, with the assistance of my grandmother, I raised my younger siblings.”
E: “I am very sorry to hear about your early life experiences, however, I admire your strength and determination to ‘turn things around’. So, how were you educated?”
V: “Thank you! I was educated in the Chicago Public School system. I have a BA. in Communications And 2 MA’s in Education and School leadership.”
E: “What motivates you and why?”
V: “My Grandmother’s words, ‘Keep on keeping on’; knowing that God has a purpose for my life and I must fulfill it. Just being a Black woman in America.”
E: “I see. Please discuss the highlights of your early career.”
V: “I am a versatile actress and model with over 20 years of drama training, who has appeared on and performed in more than 35 stage and television productions and commercials. Awards and honors I have received include: one from The Cleo Johnson School at the MAII Convention for the monologue, ‘Soaps’; one for photography for the runway, also from Cleo Johnson’s school (1996); one for the oratory, ‘Extemporaneous Reading’, from the Black Theatre Workshop at their NASDA Convention (1988); and one for Best Actress for a Poetry monologue , also from the Black Theatre Workshop (1987). Additionally, I was a teacher in the Chicago Public school system for 18 years.”
E: “Interesting! When did you know you wanted to be a playwright and how did that come about?”
V: “When I was a teenager life’s situations inspired me to write. As life’s struggles continued, writing became a form of escape for my pain and hurt . It was my therapy.”
E: “When and why did you establish Ne-ke’s Theatre Company and what did you hope to accomplish?”
V: “I established N.T.C. because I was a member of a Black Theatre Workshop in College and we would go out of town to perform and win competitions in the Arts. When I left the school that passion followed. The desire to perform and write became part of my life so in 1992 I incorporated Ne-Ke’s Theatre Company. I wanted to teach communities what was taught to me for years. That was the ability to bring laughter, joy and entertainment to people.”
E: “What is your mission statement?”
V: “Ne-ke’s Theatre Company is a not for profit theatre group featuring educational and cultural entertainment. I would like to teach etiquettes and improve cultural awareness through performing arts, produce motivational plays throughout the world, and have after school programs.”
E: “What distinguishes Ne-ke’s Theatre Company from other Chicago Theatre Companies (ie, The Black Ensemble, Chocolate Chips, The BAC, etc.)?”
V: “Our focus on etiquettes. By etiquettes, I mean Ne-ke’s Theatre Company seeks to instruct potential actors and actresses, especially youthful ones, on how to present themselves in everyday life (ie, how to stand, how to articulate, and just basically how to express themselves in the appropriate way).”
E: “How long have you been a playwright and what was your first play?”
V: “I have been a playwright since 1994. My first play was titled, ‘The Color Of My Eyes, The Growth Experience of a Woman’.”
E: “Please discuss your latest production titled, ‘Caught Up’. Why did you produce it and what did you hope to accomplish?”
V: “Caught Up, a gospel musical stage play which debuted on December 9, 2011 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, was about a couple who allowed the devil to get them to get ‘caught up’ in temptations. On opening night, there were 1,000 people in attendance. I produced it because I want all that have seen it to know that regardless of what situation you are in God never leaves your side. Through the music I wrote for the play, my prayers were that people will feel the presence of God always. (For more information regarding Caught Up, please visit our website: www.caughtup11-11.com.)”
E: “That’s wonderful, Ms. Abrams! So, how many plays have you written and produced? And please discuss some of your earlier plays.”
V: “I have written three plays and over 20 productions, 3 books, 3 CDs, and 1 DVD. My earlier productions highlight the strength in women and ways to deal with life’s adversities. In addition to ‘The Color of My Eyes’, some of my early productions included: ‘Be Optimistic’ (1991); ‘Any Which Way’ (1992); ‘Black People Uniting’ (at the Black Expo, 1997); and ‘A Woman’s Worth’ (at the DuSable Museum, 2007). Also several were talent extravaganzas and poetry shows (‘Artists from the Underground’, 1992). “
E: “Exciting! Please discuss the character selection process. Do you employ local actors and actresses?”
V: “I have auditions; those who are interested read from literature I’ve written.”
E: “Do you write all your productions or do you sometimes employ other playwrights?”
V: “In the past I have written them all, however, this year I will welcome material from the members of Ne-ke’s Theatre Company.”
E: “How long have you been writing poetry and what inspires you to write it?” Also, what is your first love, playwriting or poetry?”
V: “I have been writing poetry since 1980, about 32 years. I was inspired by growing up in Englewood and dealing with issues most have not experienced: being a victim of incest, rape, physical and mental abuse, as well as domestic violence. Poetry saved my life, therefore it is my first love.; I am Poetry!”
E: “I see. Have you ever incorporated poetry in your plays?”
V: “All of my plays have poetry in it; that’s my signature piece.”
E: “Who provides the music in your plays? Do you employ local talent?’ V: “Spike Rebel provided the music for my last play ‘Caught Up’. Yes I do employ local talent.”
E: “I understand you are a ‘well-rounded’ entrepreneur who ‘wears many hats’. What are some of your other talents and hobbies? “
V: “As I mentioned earlier, I am an author, songwriter, motivational speaker, teaching sermons at church, and an Event Planner. My favorite hobby is serving God with my life through all my talents.”
E: “How do you relax and unwind? In other words, how do you spend your leisure time?”
V: “I listen to Gospel music and create, pray and I am starting to meditate.” E: “What are some of your personal future goals?”
V: “I plan to produce my new play, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You…’; bring ‘Caught Up’ back; launch a neighborhood performing arts Community Center; complete the book, ‘Hey Brother, I Cry Too’; launch my children’s book, ‘Prince CJ Takes That Golden Road to Success’; and become a missionary for Christ.
E: “What do you see for the future of NTC, say two years down the road?”
V: “I want to continue featuring more inspirational plays and productions and provide more theatrical educational programs.”
E: “Where can your potential audience members obtain more info (ie, your production schedules, ticket info, etc.)”
V: “Glad you asked! For more info, please visit our website: www.neke.biz or call (773) 245-6353. You can also ‘like us’ on Facebook, or ‘tweet us’ on Twitter.”
E: “Anything else you care to share with us?”
V: “I have a son, Cedric Hakeem, Jr., whom I love dearly. He is 18 years old and a freshman in the top 18th college in the nation. I am a single mother who made sure my son received the best education in his life. In the Bible, God said that your gifts will make room for you and I believe what thus said the Word. I will continue to strive to be and do the best while touching lives with my gifts that were given to me from God. I believe that any mountain can be moved when one develops faith like Job, a fearless attitude like Paul, humbleness like Queen Esther, and know that all things are possible through God who strengthens us. Be encouraged and the blessings will rain down on all.”
E: “Thank you, very much, Ms. Abrams for this in-depth, enlightening interview. Your positive spirit and determination to beat the odds are an inspiration to everyone. Much continued success to you and Ne-ke’s Theatre Company. I can’t wait to catch your next production!”
V: “Thank you for your time and consideration. When God is, we all are.”