Goldie E. Patrick

"Ebo" The Orisa Cycle Plays

This cycle of plays infuses notions and folklore taken from Ifa culture and such as patikis to introduce ideas and themes in a contemporary context.  The cycle also works to demystify the traditions and rituals that generate the survival of Black folx in the world. My writing process is deeply rooted and informed by several traditional Yoruba practices and contemporary Black American cultural practices of hip hop. My work is not my own rather is given to me to do by ancestor future or past or Orisa. I learn which Orisa is guiding the work or the work is for. From there I meditate over why am I doing this piece now? I tend to lean into traditional theatre making during the writing process largely to secure the drive of plot and full dimensionality of my characters. Each play undergoes extensive dramaturgical development by a team that consists of equal African Tradition Religious teachers, creatives, and theatre makers.  The works describe their connection to each Orisa and provide context for the approach to presenting and rehearsing the work.