IESHAH EDWARDS

In Her Own Words

INTRODUCTION
 

What is your name, and can you tell us a little about yourself and your passion as an artist?

My name is Ieshah Edwards, and I’m an actress whose main passion is to encourage empathy within us all. My main goal as an artist is to have a positive impact on at least one person during every performance that I have the privilege of being a part of. I’m a big believer in following what God wants me to do and using the God-given talent that’s been given to me. I pray that every performance I do leads others to having a beautiful relationship with God.

Was there a specific moment when you first fell in love with the arts? What sparked that connection?

I fell in love with the arts from my mother taking me to The Fox Theatre as a kid. I was able to see tons of shows because of her hard work. The first piece of theatre I fell in love with was West Side Story, and shortly after it was The Phantom of the Opera.

What is your ultimate goal—not only as an artist, but as a woman?

My goal as a woman that’s an artist is to encourage women to follow their hearts and push towards their dreams.

 ARTIST + IDENTITY

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Do you identify with any of the characters you portray in the show? If so, how?

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I identify with each woman for different reasons. But I have a special appreciation for Tasha and her resilience. I’ve also been very protective of younger women as well, so I understand her mothering vibes, and I love how she loves herself through the good and bad. It’s very admirable.

Why is it important for strong Black women to be seen, heard, and centered onstage?

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Black women for so long have been cast-aside and unappreciated for all the amazing accomplishments that they achieve. I appreciate that this show highlights all stories of Black women from different time periods. Each generation has done amazing things for the next, and in this show that truly gets to be highlighted.

Why is it vital to tell Afro-Latina stories in theater? What does that visibility mean to you?

I love that these stories are told, because each part of who you are should be celebrated. We have started to take more strides into doing this, more like with art pieces like In the Heights and the new film version of West Side Story, but even more stories are needed. Black people are all over the world, and representation is a huge deal and allows us all to understand each other a lot more by showing this through art. Visibility allows for people to be seen, and being seen creates an environment filled with love and true community.

CHARACTER & PROCESS

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This piece asks you to embody multiple voices. How did you find the emotional through-line between the characters?

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I allowed myself to be uncomfortable and to just play with each voice. People can be a little messy and confusing, so I allowed myself to do that while discovering each of the voices for these characters as well.

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Which character do you feel pushed you the most as an actress?

Mrs. Jenkins pushed me a lot because she has so much to say and is older, so I was very focused on seeing all the different people visually and having backstories to why she had so much to say to so many people. I’m not really like her, so it was more of a challenge for me.

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Is there a particular scene or moment in the show that always moves you? Why?

I love how Lupita says, “That’s what keeps me coming back every damn day,” when it comes to working in the diner, because that’s how I feel about acting in general. It gets hard and tough, but it’s my passion, and when I see positive changes happening from a performance I’ve done, that’s when I realize the work was all worth it.

THEMES & IMPACT

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What message do your characters bring to the audience?

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My characters are pushing for being proud of whatever you do; just do it the best way that you can. They represent women that stay resilient through tough circumstances, the women that watch over and protect the younger ones, and the women who may seem to just be gossiping but truly are the leaders and matriarchs of families. They talk so much because they are filled with legacy and have a lot of wisdom. I would never want women like that to hold their tongue. They’re truly a gift.

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The show speaks of justice, pain, joy, healing, and being seen… How does it speak to this cultural moment?

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There are so many women that don’t feel heard today from their rights being stripped away due to the political

climate. We still demand justice for women now. Planned Parenthood is being cut, and all women should have the

choice to do what they need to do for their own bodies.

What would you say to someone who feels their story has never been told on stage?

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I would tell them to not be discouraged. The biggest thing to do is to create your own work for yourself. No one was ever perfect in the beginning, but YOU HAVE TO START FIRST. Create. Make it your own. If other people can't see you. Create a clear view so they can. Make your own play, own short film, own film, own TV series, or own musical. YOU CAN DO IT. People are going to try to discourage you because they can't understand your vision, but it's not up to them; it's up to you. Keep going, love. You’ve got it.

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 LEGACY & ARTISTRY

How do you hope this production contributes to the legacy of Black and Afro-Latina women in American theater?

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- I hope this production allows others to see that black women are very dynamic and shouldn’t be placed in one bubble. I pray that this inspires others to support black women in diverse roles. All stories should be told, and I believe that this production pushes for that change to become a reality.

What’s a moment in rehearsal or performance when you felt the power of what you were doing?

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When I said the words of Tasha. She states, “I’m still here.” I knew that this production would make a lot of women realize that they hold so much power within themselves. I’m excited to see more pride from women all over and to see more of them feel encouraged to share their stories. It’s so important.

In your own words, what is the heartbeat of We Are The Whole Cast?

To me, the heartbeat is truly all women’s heartbeats from the past, present, and future. Each woman has an amazing story to tell, and they all matter.