We took this opportunity during Black History Month for the Upstart Crows to reach out and interview notable Shakespearean artists.
Devon Glover was an educator in his home state of New York, but he is now known internationally as The Sonnet Man. He combines Shakespeare's poetry with hip-hop; engaging students all over the world. Glover grew up in Brooklyn, and has taught in New York and England, Canada, The Netherlands, Bermuda and Prague. He was kind enough to take time away from making music and talk to our own student Terence Wright. Below is a excerpt of their conversation:
Terence: What is your favorite part about what you do?
Devon: Getting young students to appreciate hip hop and Shakespeare. Giving students the chance to express themselves through poetry, reaching out to fans of Shakespeare and getting them into hip hop and getting fans of hip hop into Shakespeare. Shakespeare and hip hop are so global.
Terence: What are some challenges that you face as an actor?
Devon: As a person of color, there are limited roles in Shakespeare plays. He has great characters of color, however, sometimes you can be pigeonholed into some roles. My background is music, so I am a beginner with acting on stage.
Terence: What advice do you have for a young actor?
Devon: It doesn’t happen overnight. Keep your goals in your pocket; be dedicated to your art. Keep perfecting your craft. There are so many channels and avenues for art; be open.
Terence: What are your goals for the future?
Devon: I want to collaborate with more actors of color. I want to direct and create more theatre. Overall, I love what I do. I look forward to working with more people of color.
Learn more about The Sonnet Man:
Had a chance to see his show in nyc and it was fantastic!!! Uplifting and amazing bringing shakespeare to the youth through their own music.