We asked award-winning writer / performer TANIA RICHARD a few questions. Read the interview below:
What inspired you to write your memoir?
I’ve told many of these stories in various capacities. I recorded a serialized podcast, posted chapters on my blog, and shared them at live lit events. A few years ago, I began reading many memoirs. Kiese Laymon’s memoir Heavy: An American Memoir blew my mind, and that’s when I knew I wanted to put these stories, and more, into a memoir.
When did you decide to adapt it into a solo show, and how does it differ from writing a book?
The process of writing is lonely. It’s you and the keyboard, no conversations, no back-and-forth. I decided to adapt the memoir into a solo show to be in conversation with the audience in real time. I wanted to be in dialogue with the solo show and the memoir, and to see what insight I could gain from both genres.
Have you made any surprising discoveries about yourself – either as an artist or as a living person with decades on this planet – since writing and performing your life?
Yes! I am in a season of major self-discovery and acceptance. I’ve learned that some of the stories I share are more than anecdotes or punchlines. That may seem obvious, but I had to learn it. I’ve always known some of my experiences caused me harm. I now understand that many of those experiences caused trauma. I am now in a position to reflect, release, and refresh. It’s been powerful and overwhelming.
After this solo show, what’s next?
I shall be sleeping for approximately 3 months. Then I plan to tour with the solo show.