Karla Mosley acted her heart out on Bold and the Beautiful as Maya (née Myron) Avant Forrester, a woman who battled many forces in order to live her authentic life. Now, the actress talks to Soap Hub as she takes on a new role.
Karla Mosley: Directed by Ahmed Best, AKA Jar Jar Binks
Mosley has learned to trust her instincts in both the business and creative side of acting. “I had a feeling I’d be doing something this fall, and, usually, my feelings are pretty spot on,” the actress tells Soap Hub. “Ahmed Best, a friend of mine, is well-known as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars universe. He is an incredible actor, director, and fight choreographer. After I read the script and found out that he’d be directing, I wanted to be a part of this.
“The character I play is strong, but she’s going through a really tough time,” she explains. “All the characters in the play are people we know and can relate to. Certainly for people in the Black community, but it’s a coming-of-age story [for everyone]. It’s about how we show up for one another in the family unit and friend units.
“I’ve worked with Ahmed before,” Mosley shares. “He really trusts actors. He sits back and allows us to find our way, and gives us suggestions. He’s really smart.”
A Long, Long Time Ago: the 2000s
How It’s Gon’ Be tells the story of budding young writer Jahann (Donte Ashon Green) and his mother (Mosley), father (Sedale Threatt Jr.), and best friends (Michael Howard-Dossett, Durran Moreau, and Nona Johnson). The characters and story are loosely based on playwright JuCoby Johnson’s own childhood and are strongly rooted in reality.
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The play is set in the early 2000s, which may not sound as if it was all that long ago, but it’s been over 20 years! “Technically, it’s a period piece,” Mosley says. “We’re going back to a different time. What were the styles? What was the music like? Twenty years ago was a different time in many ways.”
“I wanted to capture the heart of a young artist trying to figure out where he fits in,” Johnson explains. “These characters each have a deep love for one another that they’re trying and failing to communicate. It’s often difficult and scary to share our love, even with the people we’re closest to.”
“This play is about that summer,” says Best. “That summer that forced you to grow. It’s about dancing in plain sight when nobody’s looking but then having to come out as your authentic self regardless of judgment. It takes courage in this society to become an artist. To be Black and become an artist is to take a deep dive.”
Karla Mosley: You’ve Got to Have Friends
Might some B&B pals show up to see Mosley on stage? “I hope so,” Mosley says. “I think Lawrence [Saint Victor, Carter] and Reign [Edwards, ex-Nicole] will be there and friends from hair and makeup and maybe some directors. I’ll let everyone know.” One reason Mosley remains in close touch with Saint-Victor is that they have children with birthdays that are just five days apart.
How It’s Gon’ Be opens on Saturday, September 16, with performances continuing on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m., and Mondays at 8 p.m. through Monday, October 23. Tickets are $34 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. All Monday night performances are pay-what-you-want. The play will be at the Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to Echo Theater Company.
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