DIGITAL SHOW CARD
PILLAR RABBIT .... Scenes and settings
Setting/Time: Present Day. The Backyard of a Louisiana home.
ACT 1 (Lunelle’s Back Porch)
Intermission
(15 mins, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby. Only Bottled water is allowed into the theatre.)
ACT II (Lunelle’s Back Porch)
Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission
Setting/Time: Present Day. The Backyard of a Louisiana home.
ACT 1 (Lunelle’s Back Porch)
- Scene 1 – Late Afternoon
- Scene 2 – Early Afternoon
- Scene 3 – Early Morning
- Scene 4 – Mid-Afternoon
- Scene 5 – Dusk to Night
Intermission
(15 mins, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby. Only Bottled water is allowed into the theatre.)
ACT II (Lunelle’s Back Porch)
- Scene 1 – Afternoon
- Scene 2 – Dusk
- Scene 3 – Night
- Scene 4 – Day
- Scene 5 – Day
Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission
Cast & Creative Team
Cast (in speaking order)
Creative Team
Special Thanks: Latrell Mathewson Johannes McNulty Sydney Walrath
Cast (in speaking order)
- Ethel Green . . . . . Kay-Megan Washington
- Lunelle Pillar . . . . . Tarita Turner
- Tracey Pillar . . . . . Terena McLorn
- Bryton Green . . . . . Chris Reed
- Armand “Kong” Pillar . . . . . Patrick Bean Jr.
- Marshall Amparo . . . . . Nicholas Friend
- Angelle Pillar-Harrison . . . . . Shelbi Nelson
- Lizzie Harrison . . . . . Amari Chambers
Creative Team
- Ta'Von Vinson . . . . . Director
- Miriam Bazensky . . . . . BPF Producer
- Paris Brown . . . . . Stage Manager
- Jen Sizer . . . . . Lighting Designer
- TaVon Vinson . . . . . Sound Designer
- Justin Nepomuceno . . . . . Set Designer
- Barbara Moorman . . . . . Booth Technician
- Edgar Fields . . . . . Running Crew
Special Thanks: Latrell Mathewson Johannes McNulty Sydney Walrath
Cast & Crew Bios
Paris B. (Stage Manager) is new to Spotlighters Theatre and has a passion for the art of storytelling. She is grateful to the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival for its support and visibility to new and established local writers. She is truly inspired by the talented cast you see before you and encourages everyone to continue supporting and engaging with local theater. Furthermore, she would like to thank Ta’Von Vinson, her beloved friend and tireless director, for his commitment to sharing captivating stories. She enthusiastically thanks her fantastic Producer, Miriam Bazensky, for her round-the-clock support. And a special and heart-warming gratitude for the space, platform, and opportunity to work with Fuzz Roark Executive and Artistic Director at Spotlighters Theatre.
Miriam Bazensky (Producer, Baltimore Playwrights Festival) has been directing since 1984, having directed her first play, Deathtrap at Spotlighters. She is also the Vice Chair of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival and is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production of Pillar Rabbit with this very talented cast, production staff, and the very talented director Ta’Von Vinson. She thanks Fuzz for his unflagging support of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival.
Patrick “PJ” Bean Jr, (Kong) is an actor from Baltimore, MD. Patrick, also known as PJ, has worked on various films and a few theater play shows in the DMV area and is also a performing hip-hop artist and entrepreneur.
Amari Chambers (Lizzie) is excited to be making her debut on the Spotlighters stage. She has recently graduated from Bowie State University with a degree in Theatre Arts. Along with performing, Amari works as a stage manager and the caption operator at Mosaic Theatre. Amari would like to thank her friends and family for always being supportive in all of her endeavors. Please enjoy the show!
Nicholas Friend (Marshall Amparo) is ecstatic to be making his Spotlighters stage debut, bringing along with it a host of theater artists who share his love and passion for the art form. After graduating from Towson University with a BFA in acting, Nicholas exhausts his other creative endeavors writing short plays, poetry, modeling, and occasionally music. Nicholas hopes that through his continued efforts, he can cultivate a community that believes in him the same way his 8-year-old self did and eventually foster a life where he can nurture his family without fear of financial burdens. He hopes everyone enjoys the show and is struck by the same realism and emotional depth he felt when first consuming the work.
Mel Holley (Playwright) is a Maryland native, playwright, actor, and graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is absolutely ecstatic to see Pillar Rabbit fully realized in the same city where it got its first public reading earlier this year! Previously produced works include: Period Piece: The Musical (2024, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA), The Mixing Pot (2016, Pinnacle Productions, Pittsburgh, PA), and vocal arrangements for Point Park’s production of History Boys. Previous Baltimore-based acting credits include: UMBC Theatre’s Kid Simple (Foley Artist) and UMBC MTC’s The Wiz (Lion). Gratitude to Baltimore Playwright’s Festival and Spotlighters Theatre, to Ta’Von, Miriam, and Fuzz for leading this process with such excitement and vision, and to the entire brilliant cast and crew. A special thanks to Tyrone, Dawn, and the cast from the original reading for launching Pillar Rabbit through this opportunity. Finally, immense appreciation to his family and friends for inspiring him from the very beginning. Much love to you all and to Pillar Rabbit itself. “We do like those flowers…even when nobody’s watching, we grow.” @melholley26
Terena CheryL McLorn (Tracey Pillar) has worked professionally as an actress since graduating from Gettysburg College in 2010 with a B.A. in Theater Arts. She has performed in a multitude of stage plays, films, and web series since then. She particularly enjoys performing in newer plays and films by today's playwrights and film makers, allowing her to help others achieve their dreams. Most recently, she was featured in the critically acclaimed What We're Taught by Ta'Von Vinson in the fall of 2023. She is a veteran member of Theater Coven, always down for the witchcraft! She also works as a director of an early learning center during the day, corrupting the minds of children to believe in whatever they want! Terena is excited to bring life to Tracey Pillar and hopes you enjoy this performance from this amazing cast!
Shelbi L Nelson (Angelle Pillar-Harris) was born and raised in Baltimore City. She has loved the arts and all things theater and entertainment since she was a child and promised herself, she would be like the women she saw on TV. Shelbi has worked on numerous pieces throughout Baltimore City, from Single Black Females, Dreamgirls, The Hallelujah Girls, God’s Trombones, The Cosby Satires, RENT, Circle Mirror Transformation, Chicken and Biscuits, etc. Shelbi feels honored to be bringing this fantastic piece to life and is so blessed to be working with such a talented array of actors and production members. Shelbi thanks God every day for the opportunity to be able to tell stories that entertain, enlighten, and enrich the masses and appreciates everyone for coming out to witness this new production, Pillar Rabbit.
Justin Nepomuceno (Scenic Designer) is a Baltimore-based installation artist and designer. Previous credits include Scenic Designer for The Wolves at Spotlighters Theatre, Technical Direction for Wednesdays in Mississippi at Pipeline Playwrights and props artisan for Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre, Miss Nelson is Missing at Imagination Stage, and Beautiful at Olney Theatre Center. He has collaborated with scenic designer James Raymond on Mean Girls the Musical at The Key School and Falsettos for the Maryland Theatre Collective. Justin holds a BS/BFA in Design, etc., from Towson University. @Nepoillustration
Chris Reed (Bryton Green) is a filmmaker, choreographer, and actor from Baltimore, MD. Chris has danced for artists like Ciara, Rovo Monty and FKA Twigs, and choreographed for multiple shows like Funktopia and The Rocky Horror Show. He has also found success in his filmmaking career when his film Final Sale was selected by several film festivals such as International Black Film Festival, See Us On Film, and First Time Filmmaker. He’s acted in stage plays from The Color Purple, The Rocky Horror Show, and Theater Coven: What We’re Taught. He’s excited and honored to be playing the role of Bryton in Pillar Rabbit!
Jen Sizer (Lighting Designer) has designed many shows here at Spotlighters over the past few seasons. Her previous productions include lighting for A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, ‘night Mother, and Fag Gods; Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf’s Shorts. She recently portrayed Sarah in Laughing Stock, and will be directing Clybourne Park, which opens right here, in March 2025.
Tarita Turner (Lunelle Pillar) is honored to make not only her Spotlighters debut but also her debut anywhere. Tarita holds a degree in Deaf Studies from Towson University and works as a MAP Specialist, helping older adults and their loved ones navigate difficult situations like those discussed in the play. In her spare time, she enjoys creating cards and spending time with those she loves. Tarita would like to thank her husband Bis, her family, and her friends for their incredible support. She also thanks the entire Pillar Rabbit team for being the most amazing role models a newbie could hope for. Growth is change.
Ta’Von Vinson (Director/Sound Designer) is revved up and ready for his directorial debut for a Baltimore Playwrights Festival selection at Spotlighters. Ta’Von is the owner of Theater Coven Productions, LLC, where he writes, acts, and directs for horror and dark comedy lovers. Ta’Von is a playwright himself and has had the pleasure of doing two tours with his stage plays What We’re Taught and What We’re Taught II: The Next Lesson, respectively. He’s had an extensive history in theatre throughout the years. He plans only to stop when the voices in his head can finally agree on one decision. When he’s not acting, writing, or directing, he can be found dancing around his cauldron at night or sitting with an energy drink while typing in a coffee shop. Ta’Von would like to thank the cast/crew, the playwright, the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival, and Spotlighters for all the hard work that has gone into this production. Please enjoy the show and, in the words of Elvira, “Unpleasant Dreams...”
Kay-Megan Washington (Ethel Green) is excited to return to Spotlighters and the Baltimore Playwrights Festival. Recent roles include Mrs. Muller in Doubt (Vagabond Players), Beatrice in The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (Spotlighters), Vivian in Wit and Hermia in Dead Man’s Cell Phone (FPCT), Harlem Ensemble/us Sarah's Friend in Ragtime (Maryland Theatre Collective) and featured roles in Dan Rodricks’s plays Baltimore, You Have No Idea and Baltimore Docket. Kay-Megan is also a film and television actress and an intimacy director when not on her Muggle job with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Website: kay-meganwashington.com
Paris B. (Stage Manager) is new to Spotlighters Theatre and has a passion for the art of storytelling. She is grateful to the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival for its support and visibility to new and established local writers. She is truly inspired by the talented cast you see before you and encourages everyone to continue supporting and engaging with local theater. Furthermore, she would like to thank Ta’Von Vinson, her beloved friend and tireless director, for his commitment to sharing captivating stories. She enthusiastically thanks her fantastic Producer, Miriam Bazensky, for her round-the-clock support. And a special and heart-warming gratitude for the space, platform, and opportunity to work with Fuzz Roark Executive and Artistic Director at Spotlighters Theatre.
Miriam Bazensky (Producer, Baltimore Playwrights Festival) has been directing since 1984, having directed her first play, Deathtrap at Spotlighters. She is also the Vice Chair of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival and is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production of Pillar Rabbit with this very talented cast, production staff, and the very talented director Ta’Von Vinson. She thanks Fuzz for his unflagging support of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival.
Patrick “PJ” Bean Jr, (Kong) is an actor from Baltimore, MD. Patrick, also known as PJ, has worked on various films and a few theater play shows in the DMV area and is also a performing hip-hop artist and entrepreneur.
Amari Chambers (Lizzie) is excited to be making her debut on the Spotlighters stage. She has recently graduated from Bowie State University with a degree in Theatre Arts. Along with performing, Amari works as a stage manager and the caption operator at Mosaic Theatre. Amari would like to thank her friends and family for always being supportive in all of her endeavors. Please enjoy the show!
Nicholas Friend (Marshall Amparo) is ecstatic to be making his Spotlighters stage debut, bringing along with it a host of theater artists who share his love and passion for the art form. After graduating from Towson University with a BFA in acting, Nicholas exhausts his other creative endeavors writing short plays, poetry, modeling, and occasionally music. Nicholas hopes that through his continued efforts, he can cultivate a community that believes in him the same way his 8-year-old self did and eventually foster a life where he can nurture his family without fear of financial burdens. He hopes everyone enjoys the show and is struck by the same realism and emotional depth he felt when first consuming the work.
Mel Holley (Playwright) is a Maryland native, playwright, actor, and graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is absolutely ecstatic to see Pillar Rabbit fully realized in the same city where it got its first public reading earlier this year! Previously produced works include: Period Piece: The Musical (2024, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA), The Mixing Pot (2016, Pinnacle Productions, Pittsburgh, PA), and vocal arrangements for Point Park’s production of History Boys. Previous Baltimore-based acting credits include: UMBC Theatre’s Kid Simple (Foley Artist) and UMBC MTC’s The Wiz (Lion). Gratitude to Baltimore Playwright’s Festival and Spotlighters Theatre, to Ta’Von, Miriam, and Fuzz for leading this process with such excitement and vision, and to the entire brilliant cast and crew. A special thanks to Tyrone, Dawn, and the cast from the original reading for launching Pillar Rabbit through this opportunity. Finally, immense appreciation to his family and friends for inspiring him from the very beginning. Much love to you all and to Pillar Rabbit itself. “We do like those flowers…even when nobody’s watching, we grow.” @melholley26
Terena CheryL McLorn (Tracey Pillar) has worked professionally as an actress since graduating from Gettysburg College in 2010 with a B.A. in Theater Arts. She has performed in a multitude of stage plays, films, and web series since then. She particularly enjoys performing in newer plays and films by today's playwrights and film makers, allowing her to help others achieve their dreams. Most recently, she was featured in the critically acclaimed What We're Taught by Ta'Von Vinson in the fall of 2023. She is a veteran member of Theater Coven, always down for the witchcraft! She also works as a director of an early learning center during the day, corrupting the minds of children to believe in whatever they want! Terena is excited to bring life to Tracey Pillar and hopes you enjoy this performance from this amazing cast!
Shelbi L Nelson (Angelle Pillar-Harris) was born and raised in Baltimore City. She has loved the arts and all things theater and entertainment since she was a child and promised herself, she would be like the women she saw on TV. Shelbi has worked on numerous pieces throughout Baltimore City, from Single Black Females, Dreamgirls, The Hallelujah Girls, God’s Trombones, The Cosby Satires, RENT, Circle Mirror Transformation, Chicken and Biscuits, etc. Shelbi feels honored to be bringing this fantastic piece to life and is so blessed to be working with such a talented array of actors and production members. Shelbi thanks God every day for the opportunity to be able to tell stories that entertain, enlighten, and enrich the masses and appreciates everyone for coming out to witness this new production, Pillar Rabbit.
Justin Nepomuceno (Scenic Designer) is a Baltimore-based installation artist and designer. Previous credits include Scenic Designer for The Wolves at Spotlighters Theatre, Technical Direction for Wednesdays in Mississippi at Pipeline Playwrights and props artisan for Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre, Miss Nelson is Missing at Imagination Stage, and Beautiful at Olney Theatre Center. He has collaborated with scenic designer James Raymond on Mean Girls the Musical at The Key School and Falsettos for the Maryland Theatre Collective. Justin holds a BS/BFA in Design, etc., from Towson University. @Nepoillustration
Chris Reed (Bryton Green) is a filmmaker, choreographer, and actor from Baltimore, MD. Chris has danced for artists like Ciara, Rovo Monty and FKA Twigs, and choreographed for multiple shows like Funktopia and The Rocky Horror Show. He has also found success in his filmmaking career when his film Final Sale was selected by several film festivals such as International Black Film Festival, See Us On Film, and First Time Filmmaker. He’s acted in stage plays from The Color Purple, The Rocky Horror Show, and Theater Coven: What We’re Taught. He’s excited and honored to be playing the role of Bryton in Pillar Rabbit!
Jen Sizer (Lighting Designer) has designed many shows here at Spotlighters over the past few seasons. Her previous productions include lighting for A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, ‘night Mother, and Fag Gods; Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf’s Shorts. She recently portrayed Sarah in Laughing Stock, and will be directing Clybourne Park, which opens right here, in March 2025.
Tarita Turner (Lunelle Pillar) is honored to make not only her Spotlighters debut but also her debut anywhere. Tarita holds a degree in Deaf Studies from Towson University and works as a MAP Specialist, helping older adults and their loved ones navigate difficult situations like those discussed in the play. In her spare time, she enjoys creating cards and spending time with those she loves. Tarita would like to thank her husband Bis, her family, and her friends for their incredible support. She also thanks the entire Pillar Rabbit team for being the most amazing role models a newbie could hope for. Growth is change.
Ta’Von Vinson (Director/Sound Designer) is revved up and ready for his directorial debut for a Baltimore Playwrights Festival selection at Spotlighters. Ta’Von is the owner of Theater Coven Productions, LLC, where he writes, acts, and directs for horror and dark comedy lovers. Ta’Von is a playwright himself and has had the pleasure of doing two tours with his stage plays What We’re Taught and What We’re Taught II: The Next Lesson, respectively. He’s had an extensive history in theatre throughout the years. He plans only to stop when the voices in his head can finally agree on one decision. When he’s not acting, writing, or directing, he can be found dancing around his cauldron at night or sitting with an energy drink while typing in a coffee shop. Ta’Von would like to thank the cast/crew, the playwright, the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival, and Spotlighters for all the hard work that has gone into this production. Please enjoy the show and, in the words of Elvira, “Unpleasant Dreams...”
Kay-Megan Washington (Ethel Green) is excited to return to Spotlighters and the Baltimore Playwrights Festival. Recent roles include Mrs. Muller in Doubt (Vagabond Players), Beatrice in The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (Spotlighters), Vivian in Wit and Hermia in Dead Man’s Cell Phone (FPCT), Harlem Ensemble/us Sarah's Friend in Ragtime (Maryland Theatre Collective) and featured roles in Dan Rodricks’s plays Baltimore, You Have No Idea and Baltimore Docket. Kay-Megan is also a film and television actress and an intimacy director when not on her Muggle job with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Website: kay-meganwashington.com
Director’s Comments . . . Ta’Von Vinson, Director
When I first heard about Pillar Rabbit, which had been submitted to the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, I was about to work on one of my company's projects. Miriam Bazensky, co-chair of the BPF, told me so many fabulous things about it but there was no director…hint, hint. Then Fuzz Roark of Spotlighters, grabbed me and said, "Hey! You have to read this script"! When two powerhouses tell you to read something…you probably should! And child, I'm so glad I did because I loved every bit of it!
Pillar Rabbit touches on so many family dynamics, a chosen family, generational trauma, sexuality, African American trauma, disease, and so much more! I knew who each and every character was and where I'd met these people. I was beyond excited to bring this production to life at Spotlighters. After choosing the extremely talented cast, who all took on the individual and cast challenges of bringing these stories and characters to life, I had near continuous contact with the amazing playwright Mel Holley. Mel and I spoke often about the show, the characters and our visions to bring it to life. I respect him and his work and I remember when I was twenty-three and also did well with the BPF as a young playwright. We're both young, black, and queer, with a mutual understanding and trust for this production.
I wanted to control the ambiance of the show to give you a sense of sitting right there with the Pillars; and to up the intensity and provide detail to the drama! It is my hope that you are able to feel like it's your family in front of you. These characters are not good or bad but doing what they believe is best in the moment and with the cards they've been dealt by life.
I thank my talented cast for sharing their talents, the playwright, the very skilled Mel Holley, our incredible producer (My aunty) Miriam Bazensky, the BPF, Spotlighters, our talented crew and my fantastic stage manager, Paris, who keeps me sane usually. Now, sit down and prepare yourselves for a show, honey! Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler (Let the good times roll! - See we learned all sort of things) lol!
When I first heard about Pillar Rabbit, which had been submitted to the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, I was about to work on one of my company's projects. Miriam Bazensky, co-chair of the BPF, told me so many fabulous things about it but there was no director…hint, hint. Then Fuzz Roark of Spotlighters, grabbed me and said, "Hey! You have to read this script"! When two powerhouses tell you to read something…you probably should! And child, I'm so glad I did because I loved every bit of it!
Pillar Rabbit touches on so many family dynamics, a chosen family, generational trauma, sexuality, African American trauma, disease, and so much more! I knew who each and every character was and where I'd met these people. I was beyond excited to bring this production to life at Spotlighters. After choosing the extremely talented cast, who all took on the individual and cast challenges of bringing these stories and characters to life, I had near continuous contact with the amazing playwright Mel Holley. Mel and I spoke often about the show, the characters and our visions to bring it to life. I respect him and his work and I remember when I was twenty-three and also did well with the BPF as a young playwright. We're both young, black, and queer, with a mutual understanding and trust for this production.
I wanted to control the ambiance of the show to give you a sense of sitting right there with the Pillars; and to up the intensity and provide detail to the drama! It is my hope that you are able to feel like it's your family in front of you. These characters are not good or bad but doing what they believe is best in the moment and with the cards they've been dealt by life.
I thank my talented cast for sharing their talents, the playwright, the very skilled Mel Holley, our incredible producer (My aunty) Miriam Bazensky, the BPF, Spotlighters, our talented crew and my fantastic stage manager, Paris, who keeps me sane usually. Now, sit down and prepare yourselves for a show, honey! Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler (Let the good times roll! - See we learned all sort of things) lol!
Playwright’s Bio . . . Playwright, Mel Holley
Mel Holley (Playwright) is a Maryland native, playwright, actor, and graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is absolutely ecstatic to see Pillar Rabbit fully realized in the same city where it got its first public reading earlier this year! Previously produced works include: Period Piece: The Musical (2024, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA), The Mixing Pot (2016, Pinnacle Productions, Pittsburgh, PA), and vocal arrangements for Point Park’s production of History Boys. Previous Baltimore-based acting credits include: UMBC Theatre’s Kid Simple (Foley Artist) and UMBC MTC’s The Wiz (Lion). Gratitude to Baltimore Playwright’s Festival and Spotlighters Theatre, to Ta’Von, Miriam, and Fuzz for leading this process with such excitement and vision, and to the entire brilliant cast and crew. A special thanks to Tyrone, Dawn, and the cast from the original reading for launching Pillar Rabbit through this opportunity. Finally, immense appreciation to his family and friends for inspiring him from the very beginning.
Much love to you all and to Pillar Rabbit itself. “We do like those flowers…even when nobody’s watching, we grow.” @melholley26
Playwright’s Comments . . . Playwright, Mel Holley
Pillar Rabbit was born of a phone conversation–quite simple as that. I overheard my Grandma on the phone with a friend who was going through a tough chapter of life and I noticed two things: one, black women on the phone with anybody have a very specific, interesting pattern of response–and I find it quite entertaining. And two, black women of a certain age have so much wisdom, but they are still human. They still have problems, worries, dreams, fears, and life questions.
I wanted to shed a light on the humanity of black characters, especially women and mothers. We often see these characters either shedding indelible wisdom or being downtrodden by finances or oppression from being black in America, which they overcome because they are expected to be resilient and strong. All of that is definitely valid; however, what I find to be an intriguing subject to examine is the black woman who faces the basic human struggles and finds a hard time coping with that. The very pillars you expect to be strong, withstanding, wise, and graceful are not pillars–even if they self-identify that way. They are not made of cement, but rather very fragile water-based organs…just like any of us. That means they don’t always react to situations gracefully or wisely or even with an open mind. They are fallible.
In this story, I looked to create such characters. They are Black, they are Southern, they are in love. They are angry and confused. They are joyful and hopeful. They are in pain. They are sometimes loud, but often silent on their feelings. They are free but lost. They are selfish, with the illusion that they are more giving than the next person. They are relatable, and yet we watch them and tell ourselves “at least I’m better than that, right?” They are human.
In Pillar Rabbit, I not only explore the humans themselves, but the situations that can drive them to their extremes–their most desperate forms. Whether it be love and the forces that try to dictate who we can and cannot feel that emotion toward; or our health and just how many “doctors'' seem to pop up in our family when we are diagnosed with something we don’t even want to discuss; sexual assault and the consequences that follow–a terribly dividing subject for the Black community, especially; and the ever-present threat to the human experience: the end of it. All of this is wrapped up in 2 hours of chuckles, shock, and metaphors (the rabbit). In these situations, people tend to fight, run away, or freeze. Pillar Rabbit is primarily made up of characters who fight. You’ll notice certain people do this in different ways, as seen by Lunelle, Ethel or Angelle. Others run away in different ways, like Kong or Bryton. And some people just don’t know how to move forward, so they freeze for a while, like Tracey.
At its heart, Pillar Rabbit is about how far people are willing to go and fight for what they value most. For example, Lunelle values her garden deeply and the constant threat of the rabbit getting into it sends her into a frenzy and she becomes fiercely protective. Likewise, she tries to protect her family from what she perceives as threats, not realizing that the ones she’s protecting can often be the threat themselves. Or even worse–she may be the threat at one time or another. In fact, it is her favorite child, who’s memory she holds on to so aggressively that is represented by the pesky rabbit…messing up what she knows to be true in her world.
Thank you for sharing this experience with the Pillars, Greens, and with our cast and crew who are bringing this story to life. When I think of this show and how it was inspired I think of my grandma, my mom and every other black woman in my life or on my screens who has taught me how to write for them. I think of Amber, Saige, Lamont, Gabe, Markia, Elise, Ivan, and Ashley who first spoke these written words as actors. I think of the actors from the BPF reading and from this production who made the sacrifice to put my words on their feet and into their bodies for several audiences. I think of BPF, Spotlighters, Ta’Von and Tyrone for taking leaps to allow those audiences to have this experience. And especially me, Mel, because self love, right? It’s the human experience.
Mel Holley (Playwright) is a Maryland native, playwright, actor, and graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is absolutely ecstatic to see Pillar Rabbit fully realized in the same city where it got its first public reading earlier this year! Previously produced works include: Period Piece: The Musical (2024, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA), The Mixing Pot (2016, Pinnacle Productions, Pittsburgh, PA), and vocal arrangements for Point Park’s production of History Boys. Previous Baltimore-based acting credits include: UMBC Theatre’s Kid Simple (Foley Artist) and UMBC MTC’s The Wiz (Lion). Gratitude to Baltimore Playwright’s Festival and Spotlighters Theatre, to Ta’Von, Miriam, and Fuzz for leading this process with such excitement and vision, and to the entire brilliant cast and crew. A special thanks to Tyrone, Dawn, and the cast from the original reading for launching Pillar Rabbit through this opportunity. Finally, immense appreciation to his family and friends for inspiring him from the very beginning.
Much love to you all and to Pillar Rabbit itself. “We do like those flowers…even when nobody’s watching, we grow.” @melholley26
Playwright’s Comments . . . Playwright, Mel Holley
Pillar Rabbit was born of a phone conversation–quite simple as that. I overheard my Grandma on the phone with a friend who was going through a tough chapter of life and I noticed two things: one, black women on the phone with anybody have a very specific, interesting pattern of response–and I find it quite entertaining. And two, black women of a certain age have so much wisdom, but they are still human. They still have problems, worries, dreams, fears, and life questions.
I wanted to shed a light on the humanity of black characters, especially women and mothers. We often see these characters either shedding indelible wisdom or being downtrodden by finances or oppression from being black in America, which they overcome because they are expected to be resilient and strong. All of that is definitely valid; however, what I find to be an intriguing subject to examine is the black woman who faces the basic human struggles and finds a hard time coping with that. The very pillars you expect to be strong, withstanding, wise, and graceful are not pillars–even if they self-identify that way. They are not made of cement, but rather very fragile water-based organs…just like any of us. That means they don’t always react to situations gracefully or wisely or even with an open mind. They are fallible.
In this story, I looked to create such characters. They are Black, they are Southern, they are in love. They are angry and confused. They are joyful and hopeful. They are in pain. They are sometimes loud, but often silent on their feelings. They are free but lost. They are selfish, with the illusion that they are more giving than the next person. They are relatable, and yet we watch them and tell ourselves “at least I’m better than that, right?” They are human.
In Pillar Rabbit, I not only explore the humans themselves, but the situations that can drive them to their extremes–their most desperate forms. Whether it be love and the forces that try to dictate who we can and cannot feel that emotion toward; or our health and just how many “doctors'' seem to pop up in our family when we are diagnosed with something we don’t even want to discuss; sexual assault and the consequences that follow–a terribly dividing subject for the Black community, especially; and the ever-present threat to the human experience: the end of it. All of this is wrapped up in 2 hours of chuckles, shock, and metaphors (the rabbit). In these situations, people tend to fight, run away, or freeze. Pillar Rabbit is primarily made up of characters who fight. You’ll notice certain people do this in different ways, as seen by Lunelle, Ethel or Angelle. Others run away in different ways, like Kong or Bryton. And some people just don’t know how to move forward, so they freeze for a while, like Tracey.
At its heart, Pillar Rabbit is about how far people are willing to go and fight for what they value most. For example, Lunelle values her garden deeply and the constant threat of the rabbit getting into it sends her into a frenzy and she becomes fiercely protective. Likewise, she tries to protect her family from what she perceives as threats, not realizing that the ones she’s protecting can often be the threat themselves. Or even worse–she may be the threat at one time or another. In fact, it is her favorite child, who’s memory she holds on to so aggressively that is represented by the pesky rabbit…messing up what she knows to be true in her world.
Thank you for sharing this experience with the Pillars, Greens, and with our cast and crew who are bringing this story to life. When I think of this show and how it was inspired I think of my grandma, my mom and every other black woman in my life or on my screens who has taught me how to write for them. I think of Amber, Saige, Lamont, Gabe, Markia, Elise, Ivan, and Ashley who first spoke these written words as actors. I think of the actors from the BPF reading and from this production who made the sacrifice to put my words on their feet and into their bodies for several audiences. I think of BPF, Spotlighters, Ta’Von and Tyrone for taking leaps to allow those audiences to have this experience. And especially me, Mel, because self love, right? It’s the human experience.
