BSR_S09E28 - ON MY DEEN - Interact/ Theatre In The X - Amina Robinson

Today on the podcast:

Director, Amina Robinson drops in to talk about the Interact Theatre Company production in collaboration with Theatre In The X of ON MY DEEN by Antu Yacob, commissioned as part of The Philly Cycle, on stage through June 28th. Here is my interview with Amina Robinson for ON MY DEEN.

ON MY DEEN

by Antu Yacob

directed by Amina Robinson

(Fat Ham, Once On This Island, Intimate Apparel, The Color Purple)

June 6-28, 2025

World premiere, commissioned as part of The Philly Cycle (A new three-part play commission project. Sponsored by THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION)

ON MY DEEN was written about and with Philadelphia’s Black Muslim Community.

West Philly. Spring 1962. Faye Ann has just joined the Nation of Islam, setting her life on a whole new path. Her best friend, Michael, would like to be a lot more than friends, but the two can’t seem to agree on religion, politics, or even what makes a good pie. Over the passing decades, personal circumstances and cultural upheavals bring Faye Ann and Michael together as much as they keep them apart. Can these would-be lovers find each other while seeking their own paths to peace?

In this engaging podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with director Amina Robinson about her journey in theater and the world premiere of 'On My Dean.' They explore the themes of the play, which serves as a love letter to Islam, and discuss the importance of authenticity and cultural sensitivity in theater production. Amina shares her personal connection to the story, rooted in her father's experiences, and highlights the dynamic nature of the creative process in theater. In this conversation, Amina Robinson and Darnelle Radford discuss the intricacies of staging a new play that explores Muslim identity and community. They delve into the importance of cultural sensitivity in storytelling, the evolution of the play, the dynamics of the cast, and the challenges faced during the production process. Amina shares her personal connections to the themes of faith and representation, highlighting the significance of portraying authentic narratives in theater. The conversation culminates in an invitation for audiences to experience the play, emphasizing its unique storytelling and cultural relevance.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to Amina Robinson and On My Dean

* 09:03 Exploring the Themes of On My Dean

* 12:04 The Writer's Journey and Authentic Representation

* 14:58 Cultural Sensitivity in Theater Production

* 17:08 Cultural Sensitivity in Storytelling

* 18:44 The Evolution of the Play

* 20:09 Cast Dynamics and Community Representation

* 21:52 Challenges of Last-Minute Casting

* 24:21 Personal Connections to Faith

* 25:36 The Importance of Faith in Daily Life

* 27:27 Representation in Media

* 29:00 Memorable Moments in the Play

* 31:32 The Structure of the Play

* 33:34 The Significance of New Plays

* 34:54 Invitation to Experience the Play

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://interacttheatre.org and https://theatreinthex.com