Friday, February 20, 2015

Spotlight On...Nigil J. Whyte

Name: Nigil J. Whyte

Hometown: Newark, New Jersey

Education: St. Benedict's, Marymount Manhattan, & the greatest one of all, "Life"

Select Credits: TOACM (Oxford, UK), Outcry, Ruined, Piano Lesson, and Betty's Summer Vacation  

Why theater?: In general? Well, we need it. Besides being entertaining, it's a reminder to us how human we are, and that's beautiful. For me personally; It makes me happy. Everything dealing with theater makes me happy. (besides tech) It's just something that's always been in my heart.

Who do you play in Thoughts of a Colored Man on a day when the sun set too early?: Happiness and Anger

Tell us about Thoughts Of A Colored Man...: It's a true story about the range of emotions of pretty much all the black men that I have met and that you have met living in the 21st century. It's our stories. It reminds people of our humanity. We feel things, happiness, lust, love, etc. Further more it connects people despite color. You hear and see the stories of these emotions and despite your color you can identify with being there; happy, wise, angry. It's a good way to get to know the average black man of today.

What is it like being a part of Thoughts of a Colored Man...?: It's feels like a beautiful responsibility. I did the play before in England two years ago and we found each other again. I think it's a clear sign that the Gods are stressing the importance of this story. And it's timing is priceless.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The kind that tells the truth and the one that brings people together and opens up thought provoking discussions. My sisters, my parents & family.  The desire in my heart and lastly people.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Hal from David Auburn's Proof. Zooman from Zooman and the Sign. Marck Anthony in Julius Caesar, & The next bio pic of Tupac.

What’s your favorite showtune?: "Steppin To The Bad Side" from Dreamgirls

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: It can't just be one, but I can name my top 6. Dule Hill, Patricia McGregor, Katori Hall, Michael B. Jordan, Queen Latifah, & Chris Rock. (Claire Danes & John Singleton) I had to sneak them in.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would play myself. The movie would be called: “Yours Truly”

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Top Dog Underdog at the Royal Court in London 2003. Jeffery Wright & Mos Def (Yasin Bey) (I wanna work with those kings as well)

What show have you recommended to your friends?: "Banshee"

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?:  Pg rated? Or...?

What’s up next?: Trusting myself and enjoying the journey. But more specifically filming 2 pilots, and in the early stages of a 3rd