Actor Jasmine Joy. Photo Courtesy of Arena Stage.
Arena Stage is currently presenting the play, “Tempestuous Elements,” written by Kia Corthron and directed by Psalmayene 24. It deals with Anna Julia Cooper, an educator who fought for her students’ rights to be given access to an advanced curriculum in Washington, D.C. A scandal designed by the government and the gossip that affected her professional and personal relationships followed. We see how this “formidable Black feminist” battles to get educational freedom at the turn of the 20th century.
The cast includes Kelly Renee Armstrong, Peter Boyer, Renea S. Brown, Gina Daniels, Jasmine Joy, Paul Morella, Kevin E. Thorne II, Renee Elizabeth Wilson, Joel Ashur, Ro Boddie, Jonathan Del Palmer, Brittney Dubose, Yetunde Felix-Ukwu, Lolita Marie, and Monique Paige.
Jasmine Joy (Ruth/Ivy/Josephine) last worked on Arena Stage’s hilarious production “POTUS.” She is delighted to return for this powerful, dynamic world premiere. Local credits include “Shear Madness” at The Kennedy Center; “Dance Nation” at Olney Theatre Center; “The Mamalogues” at 1st Stage; “A Chorus Within Her” at Theater Alliance; “Moon Man Walk” at Constellation Theatre; “A Wind In The Door” at The Kennedy Center TYA; “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen,” “Corduroy”, and “The Snow Queen” at Imagination Stage; “Womxn on Fire Festival” at Keegan Theatre; “The Powers That Be,” and :#solestories” at Venus Theatre; and “The Gulf” at Peter’s Alley. You can see Jasmine next in “Is God Is” at Constellation Theatre.
Can you tell our readers a bit more about yourself?
I am from the DMV area. I was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in PG County, Maryland. I graduated from Salisbury University (Go Gulls!) with degrees in both Theater and Communication Media Studies. I love painting portraits, being a foodie, binge watching reality television, and studying post-modernism and gothic literature. I am constantly inspired by my precious daughter, Calypso, who reignited my passion for acting. She will forever be my lighthouse.
Did you know about Anna Julia Cooper before you found out about this production, and if so, what did you know or what did you learn?
I did not know about Anna Julia Cooper. This production has educated me about historical trailblazers I never knew existed and has inspired me to reach further into black history to learn more about who else is responsible for my freedom and rights in this country. Anna Cooper, and the many other women mentioned in the play, are beacons of educational prowess nationally, and even more personally, in my hometown. I’ve walked the same streets as W.E.B DuBois. Dunbar High School was once M Street High School! My mother graduated from Howard University. These pillars of history, these black men and women, live on in and through my daily physical surroundings and I was completely unaware. As I look back at my middle and high school days, I find it baffling to realize the considerable lack of knowledge provided in my history classes. I’ve felt an ominous weight of ignorance, like a storm cloud just before the release of rain, since discovering just how much Black history there is left to learn. Conversely, I am so proud to be a part of a theatrical production that aims to clear those skies.
You play a few roles in this production. As an actor, how do you switch parts and still keep the characters believable?
It’s quite fun to have multiple roles. There’s a wondrous freedom in creating backgrounds for various characters in an ensemble. I rely on the text (and in this case, the historical context) to create realities for these characters so that they might feel completely different when presented to audiences. In this production, playing a student may be aided by finding a higher pitch vocally, or less control in bodily movements as youths are not as conscious of public decorum. Children are more malleable as they are still growing. They’ve not yet settled into a maturity that lends to set “ticks” or personalities. In contrast, playing an adult feels more constant. My adult character, Josephine, is historically said to have been a well-traveled socialite that represents the upper class. This is enough information to lend to her demeanor and natural disposition. Her movements are fluid and more elegant, but her thirst for gossip causes her to retreat from her practiced poise at times. The Principal Association Representative is a part of a Board of Education meeting that feels more like a hearing, and that character is so enraged and impassioned, all class etiquette is gone and I get to delve into the rawness of the scene. In all, switching between roles feels seamless because the text is hearty and provides a plethora of avenues to explore.
Before “Tempestuous Elements” you have appeared in several shows. Do you have a favorite role?
Before this show, my favorite role was Kendra in the production of “The Gulf.” It’s one of the roles where I felt the most connected to audiences. Kendra juggles things we can all relate to: navigating love and trust while fighting against trauma and monotony. It was a cathartic role in which I was able to connect with audiences on a personal level. We cried together, screamed together, and genuinely laughed together. I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve received in my career, but the characters that serve as therapy for me or that teach me something new, will always feel the most special.
Do you have anything coming up theatrically after this production or is there a role you would like to play in the future?
I do. I will be playing the role of “God” in the production of “Is God Is” at Constellation Theater this summer. This is another role I feel will be extremely cathartic and I’m very excited for it. This play by Aleshea Harris feels like it gives Tarantino vibes, and his filmography is one of my favorites. So to have Black characters in a Western style revenge/comedy, ahhh *chef’s kiss*. My dream roles will always consist of characters stripped of their public masks, at their truest and rawest selves, laid bare at their core. I hope to garner more of these roles in the future.
“Tempestuous Elements” will be playing through March 17, 2024 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
