G.O.D. Production Blog #2: What does it mean to "Do the Right Thing?"

Today is the first day of rehearsal...The above image was created by my artistic college Arielle Vaughan. This image is a snap shot of one of our main character's dream notebook...There is a huge theme in this play about being being active and involved but the play also discusses how we manifest our dreams into our realities and the process/obstacles we endure when we pursue what others consider to be impossible.

Doing the impossible is fun... in theory(lol) but it requires a lot of work and commitment! The process of bringing a story to the screen or to the stage can be exciting and exhausting all in the same breath(lol). Since casting, we have gone through a number of edits to the script, a few cast members have had to drop due to scheduling conflicts, rehearsal locations were shifted and now for the first week we'll have to rehearse in the living room of my home(we make it work lol). Myself and the other team members are on the grind 24/7, working 14 hour plus days (cause we have jobs during the day and pursue our dreams at night) But it's what we signed up for right? So no complaints, in times of pressure, I turn to books or stories for motivation. =) I had to recently revisit a favorite book of mine to gain perspective and focus....

My Dad gave this book to me when I was in the 7th grade when I used to walk around saying I wanted to be the female version of Spike Lee. My dad never shot a dream down but he ALWAYS was good for offering perspective on how to obtain your vision. I remember him telling me, "Everybody says they want to be a Director but who is really gonna take the time to write out the directions and lead?" This book is the production journal on what it took to produce the classic film "Do The Right Thing." My dad gave this to me to help me realize that in whatever you do in life, there is a process to obtaining it. I had to revisit this book to remind me, that we all have to put in work, effort, time, and sacrifice to make these written dreams come to life...And my dad was right, a lot of people say they "want" to direct or they "want" to perform but who takes the time to see it through? Things do not magically appear just because you "want it." You have to plan, organize, and execute. And even after all the planning and organizing you STILL have to remain flexible and resilient, because 70% of the time, plans fall through and things get delayed but you have to be willing to work through it and stay committed no matter what.

I've come to learn that doing the impossible also means getting through the impossible...

Reading Spike Lee's account on his trials and tribulations of bringing this film to life during a time in the 80's where black film directors were considered something "novel" or unheard of, gave me motivation to keep doing what we're doing. If you have not seen this film, go do yourself and favor and watch it now. The title "Do the Right Thing" is a call to action to get involved, stand up, and do what is right for yourself or your community...After reading this last night, I guess I'm left with the question (that I am now posing to you) what is doing the RIGHT thing for you? Is doing the right thing giving up the moment adversity comes your way? Or is doing the right thing standing up and pursuing after the dreams and goals that others considered to be the impossible? We cannot simply "want" things or even "try", we must be active and determined. We must DO what is right...

With the help of God and my faithful team, we'll "DO The Right Thing" by staying committed to this PROCESS by producing a show that you all will get an opportunity to enjoy in the less than7 weeks =) Ahhh the countdown begins!


And besides this is where the fun begins, which is why we're doing it to begin with =)

6/6/15 Cast Script Reading

G.O.D Production Blog #1: The Uprisings in Baltimore cannot remain just a hashtag...

I may be "a day late but for surely not a dollar short"


To be honest, I was a little hesitant on what to say exactly for this first production blog...

Outside of the production, an extreme amount of social havoc has been brewing... as my artistic Virgo brethren, Damon Hastings, who is part of the G.O.D. Production team said, "The pot has been bubbling for years... Baltimore barely represents the pot even boiling... I'm afraid of what happens when it starts to spill over"

The uprisings in Baltimore represent years of suppressed frustration of failed economic, political, and social systems...

I've been quietly watching and reading the posts of my peers...the ones who criticize, the ones who support, and even examining the ones who choose to remain silent...(what are you REALLY thinking...)

In any case I can't help but question...how long will the rants go for? And what will we hashtag next week?

I remember weeks ago we were talking about Walter Scott(remember him?) And then it was Bruce Jenner... Now it's the riots...so what will we go off about next?

I say "we" because I do not want to separate myself from a society of people I live with. I cannot be critical of others, if I am not first critical with myself...

These events are not something to simply rant about...it should force us to examine what ROLE we play in attempting to fight in the struggle...we cannot continually scroll through these issues. When we do so, we normalize the injustice and grow immune to it...everyone has to play a role in what is going on.

And of course you're thinking, "Well, what role are you playing Ayasha? Just making plays!?"

I'm just a writer & educator, who was blessed to be surrounded by like minded ambitious artists who believe in this vision of creating a theatre organization that would serve the people. So yes... I and others are making plays, BUT plays that serve our communities artistically as well financially. We are committed to serving our community with heart felt stories, cause in times like these, people NEED an outlet for hope and a place to express their anger in a system that continually rejects, neglects, dismisses, and even kills them...

Historically it has been proven in times of distress the arts serve as vehicle for hope and resolution. Even last night, my cast mate from "The Ohio State Murders", Alexis and I, discussed how we were an all black cast part of a white owned theatre company putting on a black play to an all white audience...not to say there is a problem with that...the problem is the fact that communities of color(particularly Black communities) are always striving for a place to call their own...if not a place, A LIFE!!

Call me crazy, but I am an Artist! And I believe art to be a weapon(not the only weapon) but a weapon that fosters hope, promotes awareness, and provides expression in times of pure frustration!

When we held auditions two weeks ago, the number one thing I heard from actors when we asked WHY they wanted to join this production was...

"This is something I can relate to. I want to be part of something that matters."

People want to feel connected, they want to feel heard, they want to believe that they matter, their lives matter! So our production is a form of activism that will provide a space for those in our community to feel safe and not feel alone.

The production team for this play is called "The Dream Chaser & Dream Makers"...inspired by Paulo Coelho's amazing story "The Alchemist"

My production team is made up of ACTIVE dream chasers. We're also lover of stories that speak to personal strength and struggle. This book tells the story of a young Shepard boy who follows his personal legend(his dream). In the book there is a quote that says when you follow your dreams "the universe will conspire on your behalf." Struggles and obstacles will present themselves but one must continue their quest no matter what.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am big on tradition. When we had our production team dinner at La Pinata Sunday night to go over the plans for production, it felt good to have the waiter sit us in the same EXACT spot(without asking) where we sat 5 years ago when we conspired our plan for the "And an Angel Came Down..." production. We all felt empowered, connected, & twice as motivated to produce this show...we knew the universe was working on our behalf...we knew we needed to put on this production so others like ourselves could express a story that they felt connected to. We felt and believed our community was (and still is) in turmoil and we could use our art to aid in providing hope for a Generation that continues to suffer.

Outside of the poetics of that moment we shared Sunday Night...the point I'm aiming to make is the theme of this play fits exactly with the frustration of what is going on right now in our society...How do we fight this system? How do we not grow complacent? How do we take responsibility for ourselves and our communities?!

Our reality seems bleak and cold but the dream we have for our community is vibrant,diligent, and full of life...one of the the main themes driving this play is how our dreams and reality are in conflict with each other but they co-exist. Meaning, although we are disgusted and infuriated with the injustices that take place in our society, the visionaries, the revolutionaries, the dreamers who become the doers, must continue to fight for what they believe in, and although we are not content with what it is, we can never give up on what can be...

In times of injustice... there is a time to speak up, and there is a time to burn things up... I'm not here to argue on which method you prefer, but I do challenge you to rise and DO SOMETHING. Because unless you are ACTIVELY participating in the struggle, you are in no place to judge those who are a making an effort to be heard...

We as artists, at Don't Even Tripp, wage war with our pens, our voices, our performances, and our overall stories... We wage war through THIS story 'Generation of Dreams.' It will demonstrate our frustration, our hope, and are action for change. It will also be a small step towards eventually owning our own space where everyone in the community can share their stories and feel safe doing so... that is the dream we have.

I assure you, the next production blog I can provide more of the day to day break down of the what is going on but I felt the need to provide you with our FOUNDATION of what is driving us to put on this show in the first place...I hope and pray that what we are doing helps others to think about what ROLE(artistically, socially, & politically) they play in this struggle...everybody can play a part...

So myself, the cast, and the production team are excited to share something you can connect with, relate to, and not feel alone in. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and provide hope. It may be in a fictional setting, a time in place where we all get to "pretend" but in reality, there is no pretending, we're just reflecting real life.

R.I.P. Stuart Scott! A man who stayed true to his voice! D.E.T. vows to do the same...

Stuart Scott
July 19th, 1965- January 4th 2015
"They call him butter cause he's on a roll"
Stuart was a man of wit, character, and a number of catch phrases! Watching him on ESPN always brought a smile to my face. It also subconsciously provided me with a sense of comfort and pride in how I chose to express myself. So when I decided to name the organization, Don't Even Tripp, I couldn't help but think like Stuart and say one of his famous terms "Booyah!" The people are gonna feel this!

However...A friend of mine said...

“If you want anyone to take you seriously, you should seriously reconsider naming Don’t Even Tripp Productions to something that sounds more professional.”

My friend who said this, did not mean any harm in his words. He was also not the first nor the last person to critique the company’s name. The argument for changing our name is based in the theory that “Don’t Even Tripp” seems 'too urban' and lacks a professional "feel"

When people say this I try my best to remain calm and listen to their point of view...

But to be honest,I sort of want to cut them off and go off like Kanye...

HOWEVER, that's not productive. And besides, in the industry of theatre and LIFE, you not only need to have a tough skin, but a bullet proof vest mind that is allergic to BS and ignorance. You also cannot take things personal because everyone has their opinion and preference. However, this is not about preference or taking things personal. This is about how urban culture, BLACK culture, is something that people love but at the same time want to either shelter or water down. It may not sound like a big deal to some but for those who are familiar with the concept of having to “tone down” or “assimilate” in order to appeal to a bigger mass, at times it can be quite daunting and even upsetting.

We could have found a different name, something more "safe" or "familiar." But we're not about doing what is safe. We're about taking risks, because with risks comes growth. The name, Don't Even Tripp, is ours! The name is MY family name. The name speaks to how we are NOT going to 'worry' or TRIPP about the issues plaguing our society. Instead, we’re going to take control and create narratives that speak to those in our community. So like we've said before, Don't Even Trpp, we got this!

I was reminded recently of how important is to remain true to your voice and who you are, not only as an artist but also as a person. The recent passing of ESPN News Anchor Stuart Scott is a prime example of an individual who did not water down or mask himself to appeal to a greater audience. His style, his flare, HE, himself, was a living icon. More then a trendsetter, but an eye opener. Opening the eyes of those who thought urban black hip hop culture could not be demonstrated in mainstream sports news. He was an amazing sports commentator, who was educated, remained professional, engaging, fun, and original. Although it is unfortunate he passed at such a young age(49), his style of reporting, his essence, and overall being was able to connect to not only urban audiences but all audiences. Because he remained true to who he was and what he loved.

I decided to write this blog because I believe we constantly have people telling us how or who we should be. It is a freedom, a privilege, and a blessing to break the barriers of others opinions and stay true to who you are. I pay homage and respect to Stuart Scott and others like him who are passionate about their craft and remain true to their voice despite the opinions of others. I write this blog to to anyone out there who has ever felt as if they had to pretend or mask down in the hopes of appealing to another demographic.

In reference to D.E.T., I look at like this, yes “Don’t Even Tripp” is an urban term but why should we be deemed as unprofessional? Or why should that be negative? The people behind the scenes are educated, open minded, hard working, driven individuals who are about making theatre that uplifts and entertains. If you judge us for the name that’s ok, there will be plenty of others who will know the work speaks for itself. And besides, just how the company names stands out, so do our productions!


In closing…be true to who are, there is only one you. Don’t Even Tripp believes in standing out and not blending in, what do you believe in?

D.E.T. Supports #BLACKLIVESMATTER & Honors the Legacy of Fred Hampton

“Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity"-



Shout out to my good friend Catasha Davis who posted this quote on her facebook page moments after the decision had been made to NOT indict the officer, Daniel Pantaleo who wrongfully killed Eric Garner...

Reading this quote reminded me of the first time I read The Fire Next Time. It was an ironic feeling because the social issues that Baldwin was discussing were directed for the people of the 1960's. Yet, at the time I read his book (Fall 2013), I felt as if his messages and ideas were still applicable for today's generation. And sadly enough, the quote above matches perfectly to the inhumane treatment that certain black bodies have had a history of dealing with and STILL continue to deal with in today's modern society.

I have made an effort to observe, read, question, analyze, and even ponder all of the different responses about the Mike Brown issue and the recent Eric Garner decision. It is quite obvious there are a number of people who feel beyond hopeless, frustrated beyond measure, and simply just tired…So tired that some may even feel compelled to give up. Perhaps even consider something like this....

But what I found most troubling, is the people who refuse to acknowledge the PROBLEM and HISTORY in regards to the treatment of black bodies and the police. People are saying "set your clocks back 300 years" as if this type of treatment is old and outdated... when in reality...you don't have to go back that far to acknowledge that this has been an ONGOING problem for some time now! You can set it back to 31 years ago with Michael Stewart(1983) or 5 years ago to Oscar Grant(2009). Yet people want to act as if this is not a problem and spew ignorant statements such as:


"Race is not an issue!"

"There isn't a problem with the police!"

"These people get what they deserved! They shouldn't have been breaking the law"

"The system DOES work!"

All of the above statements left me with the following expression:

But all jokes aside, let's get one thing straight. The fact is, what is happening now in 2014 has been happening FOR DECADES! The issue does not begin with Mike Brown or Eric Garner. Unbeknownst to some people, there has been an ongoing HISTORY of the police showing no type of respect, honor, or value for the lives of black people in this country. The truth of the matter is, the police have been patrolling, killing, and targeting people of color way before you or even I, were able to make a facebook opinion about the issue.

Myself and the rest of the Don’t Even Tripp staff are committed to using our ART to bring awareness, discourse, and TRUTH to these problems our society is dealing with. Don’t Even Tripp’s next production: Generation of Dreams highlights these topical issues and even brings up the HISTORICAL facts that demonstrate how our past correlates with our present.

In the spirit of motivating people to get more involved with active organizations we plan to donate 25% of our ticket proceeds to the Ella Baker Center of Oakland, CA.
We are launching our new website this evening on December 4th, 2014 in remembrance of the night the great Black Panther Leader, Fred Hampton, was murdered. Today holds historical significance in regards to the treatment of black bodies in relation to the police. The fight that Hampton and others were fighting 45 years ago, is a struggle some of us are still fighting today.

Fred Hampton was chairman of the Black Panther Party Illinois chapter. He rallied for peace & progression for ALL people and was most recognized for his involvement in the rainbow collation. A movement that prompted Chicago Gangs to end violence and draw peace with one another. Unfortunately, Hampton was murdered when the Chicago police raided his home while he was sleeping on the night of December 4th 1969. The raid was led by FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover and his task force COINTELPRO. A group dedicated to dismantling peaceful political organizations.

But don't take my word for it...Do your own research. Here are some helpful articles to get you started:

Click here
Or Here

Or if you don’t like to read, here is a film:

Click here
Or Here


I am by no ways advocating that ALL police are bad. However, to not acknowledge the history, the facts, and apparent outrage of a community who is tried and fed up of the ongoing injustice is simply not fair or correct. Regardless of race, political, or social standing, as an active contributing citizen of this society, it is important to recognize that this issue does matter!


Don’t Even Tripp makes a vow to address, acknowledge, and fully confront social issues like these in our productions.

So not only STAY TUNED for our next production....

but more importantly

STAY INVOLVED, INFORMED, AND ACTIVE

Our website and teaser video will be launching in the next few hours!

"You can kill a revolutionary but you can never kill the revolution."
-Fred Hampton


Website Launches Tonight!

Patience: Why make it good when it has the potential to be GREAT?

As Eric B. and Rakim had once stated....

"It's been a long time/I shouldn't have left you/without a strong rhyme to step to you..."

I kid you not! But every time I have sat down to work on business for Don't Even Tripp that song would randomly play on my Itunes! It's like ok! I get it now! It has been a long time! 4 years this April 2014 to be exact but we all know the saying..."GOOD things come to those who wait!"

Well I'll remix that saying! I believe that not only do Good things but, awesome, amazing, great, out of this world, "I can't believe it's not butter" type of THINGS AND BLESSINGS come to those who are WILLING to wait. Because patience is a choice! You have to be willing to take your time and have things work out the way they are supposed to and not rush them.


Of course this isn't something I learned in one sitting. This is something that sounds amazing on paper but very hard to follow through with action. I have to admit that I have had trouble with being patient because I'm always ready to get things done NOW! I pride myself on being someone who keeps their word and follows through about 99.9% of the time! I remember after the success of producing "And an Angel Came Down" with my awesome production team, I made the declaration to move to Chicago, receive my Masters at Northwestern University, and put on my next show!

I was on my Kanye West! You couldn't tell me nothing!

But um....we all know the saying "We Plan and God laughs" right? We'll let's just say God did more than laughing, because my time in the Midwest did not go fully according to plan. I mean don't get me wrong. I did move out here and work as an Development Assistant at the Writers Theatre and as an Account Manager at Groupon! Hell, I wrote two plays! Even made some good contacts in the theatre community. But please believe I had a huge piece of humble pie and had moments like this that had me thinking...

Damn...I'm really not in control am I?

Although I was interviewed and wait listed for the MFA Program... I was not accepted into Northwestern (shakes my fist at the school)

Needless to say I was devastated...

This seems to be a theme that plays constantly throughout my life. This lesson about having a vision but knowing and understanding that everything will not always go the way you originally planned... but if you have faith and are flexible enough to roll through the changes, you'll see in the end that things ALWAYS do work out. I like to believe now, that things are not perfect but they are protected and despite what setbacks I had to endure, I knew they were all for the greater good. And besides, that same fist I had once shook at Northwestern turned into a high five at God! As I lifted my hands to the sky with praise for the opportunity to come to UW Madison on a full ride fellowship and receive my Masters in Afro-American studies!


Even though a lot of people reacted with this type of look when I told them I was going to school in Wisconsin...

Because all they seem to think about is the -2 degree weather and cheese head pakcer fans (Go Niners btw!) It didn't matter! UW Madison is an amazing University and I am so thankful for my time here to grow, learn, and expand not only as an Artist but also as an Academic! The goal for me coming to the Midwest was to GROW as an Artist/Writer in every area of writing! I can write plays, novels, poems, articles, long papers on James Baldwin(ask about it lol) and now even a Thesis! I refused to be limited to one thing and I am thankful for this chance to learn and grow.

So as I approach graduation this Spring, and prep for my Thesis, of course I tell myself, I HAVE to put on a show! So you saw me, coming back, bringing the Don't Even Tripp back to life! And this time around you can believe WE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU WITHOUT SOMETHING TO STEP TO OR READ =)


You would be happy to know that I have written two new plays! The working titles for both are Generation of Dreams and Eleven. I wrote Generation of Dreams my first winter in Chicago back in to 2010. I wrote Eleven in a three week time span in the month of November 2013.Generation of Dreams was the play I wanted to originally produce first but this play has up to 20 different scene changes, a high number of complicated lighting cues and oh yea a cast of 14 people....I was doing the most when I wrote this =)

I mean I was and still am thinking Superbowl production with this play...

PLEASE BELIEVE you're gonna love it the moment we produce it! =)

So I have that play on deck, but I went back to the notebook and thought, how about I write a piece that has a less characters and a more simplistic set design? Something that was just as good but wouldn't take a lot to produce. So I decided to follow in the footsteps of the great/late Lorriane Hansberry.

Isn't she cute? She attended UW Madison too! =)

For those of you who do not know who she is, she is author of the play "A Raisin in the Sun." The first play by an African American woman to premier on Broadway. I followed her style by having everything take place in the living room/dining room of the family's home I was writing about. In this play (Eleven) there are six characters and everything is character and dialogue driven. I also took the time to read plays like Top Dog, On the Mountain Top and A Few Good Men(Yes that was a play before it was a film) to gain inspiration. A good Writer is a good reader and a good Artist is one who knows how to take in the world around them =)

If you're familiar with my work, I am big on character and dialogue and I believe in putting my ALL into EVERYTHING I DO! If people are spending money, they deserve a good well thought out story/production on all levels. This is not a game...

I mean I'm laughing but I'm serious.

So I'm pretty sure you're thinking, COOL! So when do you begin rehearsing and producing!? We had casting before the Christmas break and it went pretty good! But being back in California and allowing myself to get other things together made me realize more needs to be done...hence the title of the blog.

I am not looking to do something that is good but something that is great and worth it. I had to learn that even though I had promised myself I would do this before I graduated, putting on a show is NOT about proving something to myself or others. Any time I have ever sat down to write anything, it was because I had something on my spirit I wanted to say. I have accomplished the first goal by writing these two plays but I knew when I produced my other two plays the The Skin I'm in and And an Angel Came down,it was their time...but right now, it's not the time to come out with this show.

I know, I know, I was a bit sad myself to come to this conclusion...it's like you're looking forward to something real good, and bam! It's not there

But wait! There is hope! I am not saying we are not doing this show at all, no! We are just pushing it back to the...
Summer 2015 =D
Go ahead, it's ok you can breathe again now =)

So, We(yes you and I, because I AM READY TO PRODUCE and YOU ARE READY TO BE ENTERTAINED!) have to be patient! Why make it good when it has the potential to be great!? I had to listen to God's will and not my own! The production is still on, it will be scheduled for the Summer of 2015. So it's not too long =) So just be patient with us! However, we will not leave you guys hanging! There are other mini productions we have up our sleeve that we are going to give you this spring!

"Mini productions?!" You might ask... "What you mean by that?"

We're going to be offering you all RADIO DRAMAS!! If you did not know we do have a radio show! The Velvet Rope Radio Hour. Go here to like our facebook page:


We go live on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison radio! This is our third semester doing the show and we're proud to introduce our Radio Drama Segment called "Blurred Lines." These radio dramas will present 8 to 10 minute short skits of current conflicts in society on topics such as race, the economy, politics, gender, sex, etc. The skits will present a conflict on one of these topics and the aim of these skits is to trigger dialogue with our listeners about issues going on in society. If you can't tune in to listen live, we'll offer these radio dramas to you through itunes on podcast! We are also currently rebuilding the website and have it scheduled to have it up and running February 1st. Just in time for Black History Month!(#extrablack)

So Don't Even Tripp, we got this ;-) We're so thankful and excited for the upcoming new year! 2014 means a lot of great things for all us and we promise to give you heart felt, entertaining as well empowering stories that will inspire you to make change not only in your own life but also in your community! Stay tuned, we'll be blogging with you throughout the year! And remember to stay positive, keep the faith, and please remember to...

WE LOVE YOU AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Much Love,

A.J. Tripp & Don't Even Tripp Staff