Lamar Perry is a queer, Black Associate Producer at The Old Globe Theater in San Diego. Previously, he was the Producing Associate at The Classical Theatre of Harlem. He also is a guest artist at the University of California, San Diego.
Lamar is the creator and co-host of both of The Old Globe’s podcasts, Cocktails with the Canon and Gather Round! His mission is to bring access for both creators and patrons that historically have not seen themselves represented in traditional theater.
Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting The Old Globe Theater and interviewing Lamar. Watch the interview above, or read the transcription we’ve provided below (lightly edited for clarity).
(00:02) – It was really important to me to make sure that blackness and queerness in the places that they intersect really had a space, not just in the American theater, but in the American consciousness.
(00:13) – What I’ve been really gifted and blessed to experience with storytelling is the ability to not only share warmth, but also to put productions on a stage that holds a mirror up to themselves that makes people feel seen.
(00:31) – I think no one person is the proprietor of right. I don’t think that I am the expert in what diversity looks like. But what I want to do and what I will continue to do is advocate for people to have a seat at the table, to be present in the conversation, as we think about what the American theater turns into.
(00:46) – That’s really the thing. It’s about making sure that the seats that are formerly occupied are now spread out amongst the people who have traditionally not had themnd not just this specific group who’s traditionally held power in the American theater.
For more Black History Month features, visit yurview.com/BlackHistoryMonth.
