I finished the play because of Congo Square’s interest. How has “Stick Fly” evolved since it opened at Congo Square nine years ago? Oh no- I had been self-producing since graduation from Northwestern. Was “Stick Fly” at Congo Square your first production? “Stick Fly” is a comedy/drama about a family who has returned to their parents’ home on Martha’s Vineyard for a summer weekend…laughter ensues, tears are shed, and secrets are revealed. In a sentence, what is “Stick Fly” about? (Though laughter feels very important to me even in the darkest of plays.)

I want audiences to feel satisfied…to have been entertained, be it through laughter and/or heartache or fear or grief. Whenever I am shocked or confounded or amused or hurt or feel marginalized or empowered, I think it belongs in a play. Our collective unwillingness to talk about these things, our denial, shame, anger, and angst fascinate me. I write about race and class and gender in America. How would you describe your style and your work? It offers really nice support for playwrights. It’s a great place that I recommend writers check out. Chicago Dramatists was the first theatre that mentored me. How have you changed since leaving Northwestern?Īs a writer, the only difference is that I have more of a national presence I travel a lot more.