Theatre Latté Da’s Next Festival Kicks Off July 25 with The Homefront

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

A Discussion with Malika Oyetimein, Co-book Writer of The Homefront

Theater Latté Da’s annual Next Festival showcases readings of three new musical works – and it allows us, the audience, to get in on the ground floor of the creative process. Following each presentation is an in-depth conversation with the creative team – playwright, composers and lyricists. We did not want to wait to hear more about one of this year’s selections – The Homefront. In the play, when World War II comes to a close and the men return home, the women are immediately fired from their jobs at the factory. Two best friends - one black and one white - lead a movement to fight for the jobs of their fellow female workers.

Malika OyetimeinWe spoke to Malika Oyetimein, co-book writer of The Homefront, about creativity, collaboration and mentorship and staying true to yourself. Get tickets here for the July performances. 

Q:  How did your collaboration with Sam Salmond (music and lyrics) and Jenny Stafford (co-book writer) come about for The Homefront? 

A:  This is a long answer, but I am going to attempt to make it short. In 2018 as The Homefront was being developed, I was brought on as the Director of a developmental workshop. Over the course of that process the show grew exponentially. When we wrapped up Sam and Jenny asked me to stay on as the full-time Director of wherever the show would go next. I very excitedly said yes. Unfortunately, weeks later, I would become very sick and had to step away from the project altogether. Then COVID-19 hit the world and we all were sidelined for a while. Two years later, Sam and Jenny reached back out to me and asked me if I wanted to continue with the project. Not only as a Director, but as a co-writer as well. To say that I was shocked and thrilled is the understatement of a decade. I am now so excited to be a part of the team, not only as a Director but co-book writer.

Q:  How has your identity influenced your choices as an artist and storyteller?

A:  I am a disabled daughter of an immigrant, the granddaughter of a schoolteacher from Georgia, and a scholar. In my body I represent so much of what makes the United States of America great - and that is the foundation of my storytelling. My view of the world includes so many other communities and identities - how could it not shape the work that I do?

Q:  Who have been your most important mentors, and how did they shape your path?

A:  I have had the good fortune to be mentored by the late Walter Dallas and Valerie Curtis-Newton. My mentors have made me into the woman and director I am today and I owe them absolutely everything. Valerie and Walter saw me at a time where everyone looked at me in a room and wanted me to be the intern. They saw a Director! They saw my promise, nurtured my dreams and gave me a safe space to fail. Because of them - I am. 

Q:  How do you maintain creative momentum and self-care in an often demanding industry?

A:  This is the number one question! It is difficult. It is so difficult, but I have learned throughout the last few years to practice being present. It may sound silly; it may sound easy – but it is a every day practice. Because the industry is so demanding and I am a full-time professor as well – I have to practice excellent time management as well as being 100% in the present moment and not too much future projection.

Q:  What are the plans for The Homefront after the Next Festival at Theater Latté Da?

A:  Time will tell! Hopefully somebody gives us a lot of money to do a big splashy production in New York City! 

Q:  I wish you much success with the play. How may we follow your news?

A:  Please do follow me! You can find me at my website www.malikaoye.com or you can follow me on Instagram: Mama Tayo.