Living in Chicago makes life interesting; there’s no shortage of events and festivals, and a big one just came to a close. Theatre buffs rejoiced over the August Wilson Celebration, a month long celebration where the Goodman Theatre partnered with over 20 Chicago theaters, schools and organizations to explore the impact of Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning playwright August Wilson, who The New York Times dubbed “theater’s poet of Black America”. Last week, I interviewed Nambi Kelley, an actresses staring in Wilson’s Two Trains Running (plus she just landed a part on NBC’s Chicago P.D., which I love!), to find out how she deals with the stressful schedule that goes along with being an actress, and learn a little about her story. Check it out!
Can you imagine memorizing lines and performing in front of theatres packed with people? Not me! I can memorize a 4 minute song (I’m kind of known for knowing the words to just about anything that comes on the radio), but that’s about it. My brain just doesn’t work that way.
I don’t know how people handle it!
But that’s just what Nambi Kelley loves to do.
The actress/playwright has written plays for Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and Court Theatre in Chicago, Lincoln Center in New York, and internationally. She has worked with an impressive list of Hollywood stars, and has won numerous awards.
This month, as part of the August Wilson Celebration, which started on March 9th and ends April 18th, Ms. Kelley is staring in Two Trains Running, a production that takes place in an african-american neighborhood in Pennsylvania, in 1969. The play explores the social and psychological manifestations of changing attitudes toward race from the perspective of urban blacks.
Check out Nambi’s words of wisdom for pursuing your passions!
When did you first get the acting bug?
I saw a production of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE by August Wilson at the Goodman
when I was in high school and have been hooked ever since. I decided to pursue it fully when I
decided to go to DePaul for undergraduate studies at The Theatre School.
What did your journey look like? (schooling, rejection, etc.)
I went to DePaul and had my first play produced as a playwright while I was still in school. I’ve
never looked back.
What struggles did you face while pursuing your dream of becoming an actress?
Struggles are always trying to make sure the rent is paid while doing what you love. I’ve
managed to do it and I feel very blessed.
What was the best advice you were given by someone in your industry while you were
working to make a name for yourself?
I’m still trying to make a name for myself. The best advice I was given was from my father,
words by Henry Ford, “whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re right.”
Your schedule must get a little crazy; how do you balance work with your personal life? How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out?
If you could have lunch with any actress or actor, who would it be? Why?
Johnny Depp. ‘Cuz..well…he’s Johnny Depp.
What tips would you give to a woman that is intimidated by her dreams, and is afraid to try to make them a reality?
Just do it. Live fully. Have no regrets.
What’s next for you? Now that you’ve made a name for yourself in the acting world, what
dreams are your currently chasing?
I don’t chase dreams, I live them. So, whatever comes my way fulfills that dream.
What is your go to order at Starbucks?
Soy Chai Latte, extra hot.
Learn more about the amazing happenings going on for the August Wilson Celebration here, and if you’re in the Chi, get to one of the events before they come to an end this weekend!
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