Women Supporting Women: Rajané Katurah

Hey everyone and welcome back! I hope everyone is doing alright amid this chaotic time dealing with COVID-19 craziness. Quarantine living is....well...the best we can do. But on the bright side, I have for you our newest Women Supporting Women interview which is *drum roll* Rajané Katurah! If you're in the Twin Cities area and you so happened to see a little show at the Ordway recently called Smokey Joes Café. Or a little show at The Children's Theatre Company called Cinderella then you watched her absolutely KILL IT. She has a beast of a voice that will literally take you to church, honey. Aside from her insane talent, she also is a light in this world and such a kind soul. Black Girl Magic to the thousands with this one. Woohoo!

Q: What does it mean to be a black artist in this business? how can we as artists of color strengthen our voice? 

A: To be a black artist in this business means being resilient. Often times work written by us, for us gets overlooked...as if our stories are any less important. I also feel that being a black artist in this business is tiring. More often than not I am one of the few or the “token black girl” in a production. I may be there for my talent, but I also help fill their diversity quota. That can be a lot of work because you feel the need to represent and advocate for an entire race...and that is no one person's job. In the same breath, it is absolutely rewarding to have young children look up to you and tell you that they are so happy to see themselves on stage. It gives them hope that they can do what I do and if inspiration is the reward, I’m all in!

Q: Out of all of the shows you've done, which one has been your favorite so far and why? 

A: Oooooo, that’s so hard! I’d have to pick two, the first being JuCoby Johnson’s “How It’s Gon’ Be”. I was in the world premiere last summer at Mixed Blood and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Our fearless director H. Adam Harris put together a stellar, beautifully melanated cast that conveyed JuCoby’s story with such heart. I am so honored to have been apart of such a timely production. My other favorite has to be “Marie & Rosetta” which was a two hander with myself and Jamecia Bennett. Never did I think I’d be able to do a two person musical just because of how physically demanding it was. But we did it, and it was one of my proudest moments as an actor. I loved working with Jamecia, she keeps me on my “vocal toes”. We may or may not be remounting it soon *hint, hint*

Q: What does it mean for you to be a woman of color at this time in the world? 

A: To be a woman of color as this time is so admirable. In a world that only wants to suppress and eliminate you, the decision to not only live, but live to your full potential is indescribable. Everyday I see women of color climbing to new heights in their respective disciplines and that is just the push I need sometimes to continue to chase my wildest dreams. I love being black. I love being an artist. I love being a woman. Some people would say that being all of those things is a curse, but it’s how I cast my spell on the world. 

Q: What black artist do you admire and why?

A: A black artist that I admire is Adrienne Warren. She is currently playing Tina Turner in “Tina the Musical” on Broadway. She is absolutely amazing to watch, and has a spirit that matches her talent. I have been following her since she co-starred in Lin Manuel’s “Bring It On the Musical” and she had star quality then. I am constantly inspired by her work ethic, her drive and her love for people. I pray that she gets all of her hearts desires ...and the Tony award this year!

Thank you Rajané for this beautiful interview! Ugh...what a queen. Stay tuned for more updates and posts in the next coming weeks everyone. And please stay healthy!

Love and light,

Jess.