Brief Bio of Playwright
Tene' is a Playwright, Choreographer, Songwriter and Professional Dance Instructor. Tene' was a professional performer of W. African dance, culture and arts with study emphasis in The Republic of Guinea W. Africa. She has extensive experience writing and directing plays. As a Playwright, Tene's most popular plays are titled "Lettin Love Happen, Porch People, OMNI-Sudan, and The Journey of Heru. As a songwriter, one of her most popular songs is titled "Stop Destroying Our Children" which can be found on the previously released CD titled "Atlanta Artists Against Gun Violence." Tene' traveled to the motherland Africa where she studied with true Masters of W. African dance from "Le Ballet Africains" in the Republic pf GuineaW. Africa. Guinea designated Tene', "A Master Artist of Traditional W. African Dance and bestowed upon her their recognition of honors where she received their diplomas and certificates.
My Story
I've always loved singing, dancing and writing poems for as long as I can remember. My mom kept every single poem I use to write since elementary school to adulthood I gave her. In high school, I had the opportunity to be in a school play with a minor, but fun role, and recalled claiming, this is what I want to do. I loved the stage and excitement. As a young adult, a major play came to town that had African dance routines in it. My sister, Patricia and I decided to check it out. I auditioned for dance and got to be part of the dance
routines and loved it, but it was a lot of work having to work full time with two young children & married. Years later, my other sister, Corgie, kept insisting I join this local African Dance Troupe (Uhuru) she became a part of. I kept telling her my life schedule was already full with no time to add anything else. By the end of each day, I treasured being able to finally go to bed and rest, but my sister would not accept my refusal. She kept telling me it would help me gain more energy and that I would love it. Finally she wore me down, especially since I was able to bring my children with me while we rehearsed. I was bitten by the bug and definitely gained more energy since dance was what I truly enjoyed.
I later moved on to join another African Dance Troupe called "Wonde" where we performed throughout mid-west Ohio, for schools, colleges and private entities. I loved going to the African Dance conferences, where many African dancers, Instructors and performers from all over the US, came annually to study and perform different West African tribal dance forms. I couldn't vision my life being without dance. As the years went by, I continued dancing even after my sister stopped that included performing and teaching African Dance for many years thereafter. But it didn't end there. I had the opportunity to see a performance of a professional African dance troupe from the Republic of Guinea W. Africa called "Le Ballet Africain" perform on stage. I claimed in my heart, that night, that I was going to one day dance with that Dance Troupe. Their level of contageous high energy dance form mezmorized me and was just what I've been waiting for.
Years later, while being a part of the Ohio Arts Council's Internship program, I presented them a proposal they couldn't refuse to help sponsor my studies in the Republic of Guinea W. Africa with "Le Ballet Africains" who I learned were partnered with a Dance Troupe from Washington, DC. I did it! I was in W. Africa studying with a global and professional dance troupe that performed throughout the world and my instructors were the lead performers and drummers of that troupe. I could go on and on about my creative life. Maybe I'll write a book about my story. Nevertheless, it finally came together. All my dance, music and performance experience was utilized in my plays. That's why what is now known as Tene' Play Productions performances will not only have meaningful drama to get a message across but it's done through drama, songs and dance. I give continued thanks and gratitude to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who is the beginning and the end. Amen
If you would like to be a part of our team, let's connect.
1. Stage Manager
2. Project Management
3. Crew
4. Carpentry (building of stage props)- position filled
5. Production Asst.
6. Tech (lighting, sound, etc.)
7. Videographer - position filled
8. Photographer
