In this episode, hear from two talented writers, t.tara turk-haynes and Joy Gregory as they examine the writer’s responsibility to preserve and protect the past. Moderated by L. Trey Wilson.

This month:

• Playwright t.tara turk-haynes reads two excerpts from her novel, LIGHTERS IN THE AIR.
• Playwright & founding member of Lookingglass Theatre, Joy Gregory, reads from a one act based on true events that happened in her family.
• t.tara and Joy discuss their acting backgrounds and the many unique pathways into writing
• t.tara and joy share the influences and history behind the pieces they shared.
• Both writers discuss how their pieces involve preservation of a time in history in an effort to honor or represent it.
• t.tara talks about the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and its influence on her work even now.
• t.tara emphasizes the importance of building on the past and remembering the people who came before.
• Both writers discuss the importance of “cross-fertilization” between different art forms, and how artists impact each other in real space vs. virtual space.
• Joy discusses attending her friend's memorial service and grieving the destruction of something.
• Joy discusses the origins of Lookingglass Theatre Company and how they began the conversation about segregation in the arts community in Chicago.
• Joy & t.tara compare separating different groups of people in art & stories in a "respectful" way vs. coming together as humans with human experiences to bridge that divide.
• T.tara discusses offering grace and empathy when it comes to educating people about EDI and racial divisions.

Pieces Read:

• WITCH HUNT by Joy Gregory

• • One act play based on real letters written by Joy’s mother that tells a macabre story about actual events that happened to her family
• Two excerpts from LIGHTERS IN THE AIR, a novel by t.tara turk-haynes