The Unlikely Marriage of Shakespeare and Black Liberation

by Deon Releford-Lee

Guest Writer

 
Deon in a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

Deon in a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

 
 
 

Hi! I’m Deon Releford-Lee, a Black, queer, cis, producer, creative director, actor, dancer, singer,  artist, activist, host, educator, food maker, rump shaker and intergenerational-curse-breaker, currently based in New York City. 

I grew up in predominantly Black and ethnically diverse spaces in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and all over the country in the military. I ventured into white communities to teach summer conservatories at various theatres in the south; I was constantly reminded that I was a member of the subordinate caste in America. This is where I discovered my work in diversity, equity, and inclusion was possible through art. 

In February of this year, I received an opportunity to produce and direct a virtual reading of William Shakespeare’s fantastical revenge comedy “THE|TEMPEST” for Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s SHIPWRECK FESTIVAL. Almost immediately, the project became an opportunity to highlight Black experiences and perspectives in a space that is dominated by white scholars. This extraordinary production premiered digitally on JUNETEENTH (June 19, 2021) at 2:00pm; and is available On-Demand until July 4th. 


Why Shakespeare on Juneteenth? 

The decision to release THE|TEMPEST on Juneteenth was a deliberate one. Though President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) legally freed slaves in the Confederate States, the word didn’t reach parts of the deep south until 2 years later. Tens of thousands of enslaved people were still suffering from the inhumane grasp of slavery in Texas until June 19, 1865. Marking the “end” of slavery in America, Juneteenth (a combination of June and the number nineteen) is a celebration of Black independence in the United States. 

 
 
Deon in a dance performance.

Deon in a dance performance.

In terms of American history, Shakespeare is not something that is inherently synonymous with Black culture. Shakespeare was/is actually held over the heads of Black bodies as an omnipotent text that isn’t suitable for our voices. This reading exists to cease that narrative. Similar to a religious text, Shakespeare’s brilliance relies on the fact that the text is meant to be interpreted; not necessarily taken literally. Therefore, BIPOC perspectives on top of this work change the way it is digested based on the lived experiences of the players involved.

Our predominantly Black production of THE|TEMPEST is a love letter to the Black community. In March of 2020, I travelled to Vancouver, British Columbia, where I witnessed people who could have been my uncles, aunts, mom, dad, sisters and brothers die on television in my own country as the world watched; all while being surrounded by people that didn’t understand my trauma or experience. That summer, I launched the movement and production company “FREE BLACK MILLENNIALS”. The Black & BIPOC voices personifying this Shakespearean text lead us to have conversations of freedom, trauma, gender roles, love, betrayal, colonization, utopianism and more. On behalf of myself, Deon Releford-Lee, and the  Free Black Millennials team: we love you, we are proud of you, we see you, WE ARE YOU! 

How you can support:

I am asking for your support in helping us produce our reading ofTHE|TEMPEST. Our goal for this project is to raise $1,500 USD with a stretch goal of $3,000 USD. This amount will specifically help us: 

  • Produce a theatre-like quality experience over Zoom

  • Purchase equipment for production

  • Market and promote our work

  • Get our production footage circulating in New York City Public Schools and surrounding counties

  • Financially support the Black actors and professionals working on this project and;

  • Help jumpstart future FBM projects. 

Whether you contribute $25, $50, or $100, you will be instrumental in telling a story that explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, grace, liberation, joy, love, and culture.  

You can enjoy THE|TEMPEST by purchasing $10 tickets at https://sweetteashakespeare.com/tickets and/or support Free Black Millennials in reaching our goals by donating via our official PayPal by searching freeblackmillennials@gmail.com.

Thank you and we hope that you will come alongside and join us on this journey!  

 
 
 

Deon Releford-Lee

Deon had a knack for artistry and craft from a young age. As he grew into a young man, his life took him through the ringer. He experienced great loss and love, discovery, insecurity, and a slew of other experiences that inspired him to be the well-rounded artist he is today. Armed with these life experiences and lots of drive, he graduated from Fayetteville State University with his degree in theater and concert dance in 2014 and has been sharing his perspective with others, both onstage and in front of the camera, ever since.

 
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