Reviews
CHAPS GHOSTWALK – BEST SHOW IN THE PIEDMONT A review – Rosie Browne Jackson
Just when you think you are about to enter the garden, the empowered voice of New Yorker, Kubbi is heard singing His Eye is on the Sparrow. Her “Sister Serena” Gullah/Creole “Native holy woman” is ebullient. There are a few uncertainties with lines but that is dismissed by her joyful and spiritual, faith-based presence.
Susannah explains the story of her father’s murder with tested and tempered resolve as she, like her mother, maintains her composure. She summarizes the story by explaining the political vestiges of their day compared to our present time. It is followed up by a commentary on slavery by Sister Serina (Kubbi,) whose discomfort and lack of confidence with the dialogue is apparent, but effective.
CHS Associates – Director of Ghostwalk 2007 – Christopher Klein
The critic from the Ghostwalk 2007 has received complaints about her critic and here is what she emailed the director after the complaints.
Kubbi is a very talented young lady. Her voice is amazing; especially all those tours in that humid SC night air! She tackled some very difficult material, (you are a dialogue sadist!) and she rose to the occasion with power. She attacked the dialogue which she knew she had a problem with and that is what I saw, not inability. I understand the misgivings about the lines. Hell Chris, you fell all over yours and you wrote them! But as I said, one dismisses that because of the function and event. As an audience, we suspend our disbelief because we want to walk into that theatrical fantasy world and be entertained. But you took it a step further and actually taught the spectators. Kubbi made an excellent co-host and balanced your presence and Bridget made you an exceptional first Lieutenant. These women should be commended for their commitment “to the cause!”
KEYS TO THE PAST – BEFORE Lessons in Truth, Equality and Unity: Today’s Accountability A review by Heidi Gilberte
KEYS TO THE PAST - BEFORE revolved around the Native Indigenous Peoples’ perspective before White/European contact and quickly moved through several centuries of history highlighting specific local characters and persons involved in the growth of the area. As with all “theatrical” representations, some people and figures were beautifully created as composite characters who shared the lessons and truths of their lives reflecting how their experiences had the opportunity to shape and change our contemporary futures. The lines that reverberate in my mind still were engrained by the characters Sophie and Emanuel, “servants and/or enslaved people” during a time of change in our country. Emanuel said, “Each man and woman, learns their own lessons from their pasts and chooses to move forward…” Sophie adds, “…or remains in the misery of their past.” This profound statement has a universal commentary, one that is so representative of where we are as a country today.
Native South Carolinian (correction Native New Yorker) Kubbi, now a resident of New York, returned to Gaffney for her second year as a member of 20 the “KEYS” cast. Her portrayal of Sophie, “the faithful servant of the Gaffney family (as stated on her actual tombstone) “was truthful, sincere, and was punctuated by her no-nonsense candor. Sophie was the only black American member of the United Methodist Church during her lifetime and she lived with the Gaffney family her professional career. Kubbi’s performance was rich, steady, and confident.
Interview
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The Heroine's Journey of Kubbi
The Heroine's Journey of Kubbi
Posted by PETERDEKUSTER on MARCH 11, 2018MARCH 11, 2018
What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love hearing the writers of a play I have done say you really made my words come to life. It makes me happy that they approved my acting choices and the depth of the characters I perform. What I love about being an actress is the opportunity to live another life on stage or screen, to be able to bring a character to life with a touch of Kubbi instilled inside. The journey I take during rehearsals is a serious one for me, I become extremely focused and cerebral at times that I have to remind myself that there is no such thing as a perfect performance. All humans are flawed and vulnerable and I must play every character from an honest place. I love taking that journey.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? My idea of perfect happiness is being able to be a fulltime actor, producer and screenwriter. All I want to do is book quality acting work, a series or a blockbuster film, write my own screenplays and produce quality productions and get paid to do all of it. I want to be able to make a living where I can be debt free and never worry about income. I want to have 5-7 constant sources of income, that’s the only way to accumulate wealth.
What is my greatest fear? Not succeeding, I’m not afraid to fail I’m afraid of not succeeding. So I keep going and working hard to achieve my goal.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? My impatience that creates doubt. I’ve been doing this for so long sometimes I feel like I will never get the big payoff at the end of the day. I know that if I keep my faith and know that all will work out that I must not doubt. I must keep believing. I just sometimes waver in that.
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Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire Regina King, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Alfre Woodard, Ciciely Tyson, Judi Dench and Helen Mirren, these few actors have played iconic characters with depth and grace. It’s the longevity I admire most. Being able to live your dreams, battling through struggles and overcoming them. They prove to me that never giving up will pay off.
What is my greatest extravagance? My greatest extravagance is my investment in my career. I will travel where ever I need to for an audition. Outside of my career investment my next extravagance is my car, wardrobe and shoes.
On what occasion would I lie? My mother said you must always do what is right and never lie, but I would if I had to protect my mother, but thank God I never had to.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? What I dislike most about being an actor is being looked over because of my nationality, gender and colorism.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happiest when I am on set. When I was in Knoxville, TN doing my first major film I had my own trailer and I was spoiled by production. The DP carried me to my car because I didn’t like walking in the mud. It was amazing, I still smile to this day thinking about that set. The director was just amazing and personable he made sure everyday that I was comfortable and doing well.
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If I could, what would I change about myself? I wish I would take more chances. I sometimes don’t feel like I do enough. I feel like I am not bold enough.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I haven’t reached my greatest achievement yet. But I am proud of the work I did when I directed James Pentaudi’s Middle School Madness Musical Off Broadway production last year. We sold out 3 shows last June 2017.
Where would I most like to live? I want to live in London.
What is my most treasured possession? My Bible.
What is my most marked characteristic? I like making people laugh.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Walking down Broadway and seeing a show. Actually, seeing any play or musical inspires me. Also going to the beach and being by the water.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? Actually, it used to be Zen’s in the Village, now I like trying out new restaurants.
What books influenced my life and how? I grew up reading VC Andrews books, The Flowers in the Attic series, the Runaways etc. Then I read the Left behind Series, and a lot of Sci-Fi books. The Red Tent, Knight in Shining Armor, The Help, Redeeming Love, Prayers, Poems and Proverbs and The Bluest Eye. These books all influenced me and inspired me to keep my faith in God and believe in myself and never give up on love.
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Who are my favorite writers? Ann Miller, VC Andrews, Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, Lorraine Hansberry, Ntozake Shange, and Susan Lori Parks.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Gospel music.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Vixen, Wolverine, Gene Grey, Professor X, Storm and Rogue, Captain Picard, Captain Janeway, and Captain Sisco.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My mom Ann Miller, My mentors Elizabeth Omilami and Marie Ponce, Michelle Obama, Barak Obama, Viola Davis and every woman in the struggle to be free from Tyranny.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Color Purple
What role plays art in my life and work? Performing art is a big part of my life, it means everything to me, it’s my inspiration and my goal destiny. The work that touched me the most was Fela and the revival of the Color Purple.
Who is my greatest support, sponsor, partner in crime? DW Leonard, Vanessa Carrington, Jacqueline Serrano and Nicole Brandon.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018? There are a few people I would like to work with Viola Davis and Angela Bassett and Octavia Spenser, Jordan Peele, Jerry Bruckheimer, Shonda Rhimes, JJ Abrams, Dick Wolf and David Mamet
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Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2018? Jerry Bruckheimer and Shonda Rhimes.
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? Second Season of the original series “In Black and White.”
Where can you see me or my work in 2018? http://youtu.be/8pFILP_NQdU
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion never retires means it never rests as long as you have a passion your spirit will never let you give up on it or end it. You will continue to do it until your last breath.