An Interview with the Creatives Behind, "Sons of Eve". Roni Winston

An Interview with the Creatives Behind

SONS OF EVE

B Y R O N I W I N S T O N

INTRODUCTION

In this life, we are often not afforded the opportunity to meet people with the type of passion, wit, and heart as I did when I interviewed Aceyon Owens and Carrington Reynolds. These gentlemen have accomplished the type of thing that many only hope to do. They have created something special and unique. The writers explained that their show, Sons of Eve, is the modern take on Cain and Abel if Abel had never been murdered, Adam had been a single dad, and Eve represented the imagined, unattainable epitome of motherhood. With a description like that, you can only imagine what the rest of my interview was like.

Carrington was really there for me through that experience. I told him that I was writing a role for him. I wanted him to be my brother and I wanted it to be a chance for Carrington to be the real him, but I realized that I did not know enough about LGBTQ culture to write authentically. I needed his help to write his character and those real experiences. I did not want to write something that would be a caricature. Carrington: So I was able to add some to the writing and even write scenes for my character.

Q: What is the origin of this writing duo? A (both): We’ve known each other for about 10 years through the entertainment community in Rochester, NY. We’ve been a part of about 40 productions between us, but this is the 1st time that we have taken the leadership roles. Aceyon: We really grew close after I went through a very difficult time in my life. I lost my father and a few other very close family members. It was such a tough time and

Michael Kev (Emory)

Kristan Sandford (Patrice)

Aceyon Owens Co-Writer/ Executive Producer

Latasha Davis (Chanel)

Q: What does the play title represent and how did you settle on it? A (both): The plural ‘sons’ is representative of all the men. All of them are encompassed in that plural version…the father, the love interest, brother, etc. It is the impact that motherhood has on all of these men. We actually started with another title. We weren’t really feeling it, but no one really said it aloud. Thankfully, Kristan Sandford, who plays Patrice, spoke up that the original title didn’t speak to her, so we went back and spent hours on the phone just going through various titles. Sons of Eve just spoke to us.

Q: Where did the inspiration for this production come from? Aceyon: I did write from some of my personal experiences, but I do have a disclaimer. If you come out to see the play, then do not assume anything is about you. These are experiences that happened to me as a person, but they aren’t about any one specifically.

Q: Carrington, what is your favorite part of the play? Carrington: So many parts, I can’t just name one, but the dialogue is powerful. There is one scene that had my heart racing and shaking. Another one of the actors even cried.

Q: Aceyon, which character spoke to you first? Aceyon: Tajze played by Tyler Turner. He is that person that we all need in our life because he says what we all want to say, but are afraid to. He’s unapologetic and an a**hole. Tajze’s name is inspired by a bar owned by Shemarray Bear Robinson. I used to have a poetry team and we would go down there to perform. Shamari even named a drink after me. Then, there was Senior. He is so much like the elders we have all had. The old dogs who don’t want to learn.

Ajamu Brooks (Keith)

Jerry Capers Stage Manager/Mentor

Carrington Reynolds Co-Writer/Executive Producer

Tyler Turner (Tajze)

Michael Patterson (Dorian)

Sharnett Nicole Stage Mother/Production

Q: Give me seven words that you feel most accurately describe this particular story that you want to tell.

A (both): Audacious, Bold, Entertaining, Emotional, Genuine, Raw, and Beautiful

Q: What has been the greatest difficulty for you in this process of creating your own work? Aceyon: For me, it was casting, having to say ‘no’. I have worked with so many people in our community. It was very difficult to know that some actors were great, but there was someone else who fit the part better. These are people I have worked with and have known, but I had to make decisions as a leader.

Q: Were you a theater kid? Carrington: Yes, I started in shows when I was 5, took a break for a while and returned full on in 2014 to the stage. Aceyon: No, I had a number of other influences because I thought I would be judged. I played football and the other things that didn’t make time for theater, but I have been writing since the 4th grade.

Q: Would your younger self have been able to see you here at this moment? Aceyon: Definitely. My younger self probably wants to know what took me so long. He would have been past this point and more productions down the road. Carrington: No. My younger self dreamed of something like this, but was too shy to think that this could have ever really happened. He couldn’t have imagined being able to live in truth and creativity.

Q: How has this experience changed you? Aceyon: I have been able to mature as a leader. This group of people pushed me. They were relying on me to make sound decisions. Before this, I just went with the flow, but I couldn’t do that anymore. Carrington: This opened up parts of myself and even as a leader. I had to get to myself better.

Q: Who inspired you to discover your talent for the creative part of yourself?

Aceyon: There are so many from my mom, grandmother, and teachers that I encountered. Specifically, Ms. Dodge and Mr. Perkins from No. 4 School were influencers in my community who encouraged us to express ourselves. My inspiration taught me that the sky is not the limit, the universe is. Carrington: My performing arts teacher, Ms. Carol Testa. She taught me that there is the power of your voice and that theater always has something that someone can relate to, so I want to do it with respect and justice. I still take that with me in productions I am involved with.

Carrington, Sons of Eve would still be on the shelf. I am so thankful to have had them all on board.

And just like that, I had been inevitably touched by the magic that is the Sons of Eve. Aceyon and Carrington gave me a peek into their world and it was so incredible that I only wanted more. You can get just that through the lens of their work. Join them on the epic journey of their storytelling November 4th, 5th, 11th, or 12th at 75 Stutson Street, Rochester, NY 14612.

Q: What would you like to leave the audience with? Carrington: I just fell in love with this story and it is so important for these times. There is power in a person, they just have to find their voice. Aceyon: I am just so grateful to those who have brought this dream to life. Without the actors, backstage participants, and especially