The Black Parade: Meet Atlanta Theatre Director Rebecca Thompson

An Interview with Jessica Wise

As vaccines roll out, live theatre is poised to raise its curtains again. We sat down with Atlanta theatre director Rebecca Thompson, to learn more about her upcoming production The Voices of Donnie Hathaway, slated to premiere at the closing of Black History Month. You can purchase tickets to this socially distant experience at encorefilmandmusic.com/hathaway.

Tell us about The Voices of Donnie Hathaway.

The Voices of Donnie Hathaway is a fictional story about the last night of Donnie Hathaway’s life. It is set in the bar of the Essex House Hotel in New York City. In this fictional story, he gives a concert and discusses his life with a friend. We see the musical genius and the tormented soul.

What inspired you to direct this show?

I had always heard Donny Hathaway’s music, but it wasn’t until I was twenty-three that I discovered A Song for You. I swear I had never heard that particular song before. It was given to me by someone who said a lady whom I didn't know passed away and left some CDs — Donnie Hathaway’s greatest hits was one of them. I fell in love with his depth and soul and music. Every few years I post the words, “I love you in a place where there is no space or time,” onto my Facebook page. I think they are some of the simplest yet compelling lyrics I’ve ever heard. He inspires me. The least I can do is remember him by directing this play. I could never do enough to really show him how much his music has influenced me and the world. 

What was different about producing a show during a global pandemic?

Audience participation is definitely a concern, but we practice social distancing during rehearsal when we can. And we wear masks for each and every practice. We are all acutely aware there is an invisible character named Covid-19 that could be lurking around, but we make the best of our rehearsal experience. The cast is only four people, so that makes us feel better also.

Tell us about the cast and crew. What makes them special? What makes them the right ensemble to deliver this message?

The star of the play, Robert King Jr., also wrote the play. He sings all the songs as well. He’s a special guy and a great artist who has a genuine heart for theatre. I am glad he shared the script with us so that we could create this fictional world that represents so much truth. Pamela Miller is just a burst of light and energy. She brings the feminine, mysterious side to the play. You will appreciate her performance. And William Carroll Jr. accents the play very well. He doesn’t say much but his presence grounds the play in reality. The stage manager, Johnny, is a servant of theatre. He doesn’t say much, either, but he does do much to serve the production. And the producers, AMC Performance Company —  Rod, Roc, and Chris —  are truly the backbone of this production. If it were not for them, there would be no show.  

Do you believe Black History Month is especially important for theatre this year? Why or why not?

I can’t say no. I have to say yes because Black history is extremely important, and so is theatre. I understand that we are limited in our ability to express ourselves, but I think it’s always important to remember Black history and theatre because both are pillars of our community. Do what you can while being safe. 

Obviously, Donnie Hathaway is the central figure of this production. What do you hope this show will teach people about his legacy?

That he was a musical genius who happened to struggle with mental illness. Many times, we don’t realize who our favorite performers are. We just hear their voices and connect only to the beautiful pain of their music. We don’t really want to connect to the non-glamorous side of that pain — the side that doesn’t make the music beautiful, the side that doesn’t feel or look good.  Theatre is that platform where you can connect to each other without whatever it is we fear, from connection to the ugly truth. What the music couldn’t share, theatre can. 

We can embrace Donnie Hathaway in every way. We can celebrate both his strengths and weaknesses because both are a part of who he was. But in the end, we can honor his stellar music, which is his greatest contribution to us. Thank him for giving us his music. Donnie Hathaway might have lived and passed away before my time, but his music will live forever. The Voices of Donnie Hathaway makes a connection among his life, death, and music.

How does your production plan to do live theatre safely during this time?

We are practicing social distancing, staying six feet away from the people who you did not buy tickets with. Also, WEAR YOUR MASKS. We do not intend to be a super spreader of anything but love, music, and entertainment.

What are your hopes for live theatre post-pandemic?

That it becomes more popular. Theatre is very much a vintage experience. It has been around so long, centuries. But it is the greatest place to tell a story. It has lasted this long and will continue to last because of its authenticity as a place of art. However, I don’t think it’s appreciated as much as it should be. Many times, theatre goers are limited. We should be unlimited. Seats should consistently fill with an eager audience for most shows, not only hits —  just like motion pictures. NO EMPTY SEATS.

What are you most excited about for this production?

I’m excited for Encore Black Box Theatre, the physical home of our production. The Voices of Donnie Hathaway is the first play ever produced by Encore Black Box Theatre and AMC Performance Company. It’s also the first time the play will premiere in Atlanta, Georgia. There are many firsts with this production. It sets a tone for many more to come. I’m always excited to see playwrights get their work produced. So I am delighted to watch Robert King Jr.’s “baby” come to fruition on a new stage. And of course, it’s always exciting to experience theatre, period. Anytime there is a stage, a script, and a cast, I’m ecstatic because I know the magic is about to happen.

Want to see the show? Put on a mask and get tickets go to encorefilmandmusic.com/hathaway.

Where: Encore Film & Music Studio, 3938 Shirley Dr. Atlanta, Georgia

When: February 27, 1pm & 6pm

February 28, 2:30pm

Meet Rebecca Thompson

Rebecca Thompson is the Director of AMC Performance Company Theatrical Productions. Her motto is "I Am All Things Theatre." Her goal is to create theatre that serves a higher calling and enlightens and entertains it's audience.

Robert King Jr.

Robert King Jr. is new to the Atlanta, from Austin Texas where he is the Producing Artistic Director and owner of King Productions. Robert comes from a long history of acting and live performances. This is just one of the shows from Robert King Jr.’s writers catalogue but his 3rd time reprising the role.

Follow him on IG @Iamrobertkingjr on Facebook @robertkingjr