Episode 01.11 SLC Performance Lab With Jillian Walker

Jillian Walker writes and often performs contemporary sacred texts
for the now times. Her work creates space for healing and liberation; embodying remembrance for our ancestors and legacies. Often taking the form of plays, musicals, sacred lecture-sermon-concert gatherings, and self-reflective space, Jillian’s work pushes what we think of as genre and blurs the perceived boundaries between performer, audience and self. She draws deeply on her training as a dramaturg (MFA Columbia), Black Spiritual wisdom, and the ongoing work of black feminist thinkers to bring process-driven performance to life.

Some of her works include: Sarah’s Salt. (developed at MCC Theater, Roundabout Theater Company; Honorable Mention for the Relentless Award; finalist for the 2019 Bay Area Playwrights Festival). Songs of Speculation, presented at JACK; and “Blue Ink: A Night with Jillian Walker” performed at Joe’s Pub. Her ancestor-revering work, SKiNFoLK: An American Show (co-presented by The Bushwick Starr and National Black Theatre) was a NY Times Critics’ Pick. Some of her collaborations and dramaturgical works include: co-writing for Common’s 2019 international tour, “Let Love Tour”, dramaturgy for the award-winning musical, Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of The Future and dramaturgy for Dave Malloy’s Moby-Dick, directed by Rachel Chavkin.

She is currently developing work with the High Line, The TEAM, Musical Theater Factory (MTF Makers), Ars Nova (Makers Lab), and Soho Rep., where she is the 2020-21 Tow Playwright-in-Residence.

Edited and Produced by Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)

Edited and Produced by Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)

Edited and Produced by Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)

Edited and Produced by Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)

Edited and Produced by Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)
Interviewed by Karen Loewy Movilla and Kyrie Ellison (SLC21)

Photo Cred: De’Lon Grant Photography