The Color Brown
In 2020, Blue co-wrote, directed, and starred in a short film called The Color Brown. The story focuses on two siblings who met for the first time at their estranged mother’s gravesite. Blue pulled from deep within her life experiences and testimonies from other young women to bring her character, Love Wright, to life. Blue even tied in some of her original poetry throughout the film.
Read more here: The Color Brown - GEFO.
“Life is like gardening. What you choose to plant ultimately becomes what you leave behind in the world.”
Watch the Trailer !
Logline: Upon visiting the gravesite of their estranged mother, two siblings who have never met attempt to unveil their mother’s greatest secrets, as they dissect their own lives, over the course of one night.
Broadway on Demand!
Coming back to her roots, Blue brought out FSU’s Mass Communication 488 Multi-Cam class to help her, and Grammy -nominated cinematographer, Jimmy Powell Jr, film the stream for Keenan Scott II Thoughts of A Colored Man Production. The production was filled with several notable alums and current theatre students.
In order from left to right: Dustin Muir, Richard Irakoze, Alyvia Mazer, Jimmy Powell Jr, Keith Gill, and Jha’Neal Blue (Not pictured: Associate Professor Annie Danzi)
Trouble in Mind
In the spring of 2023, Blue was brought on to the company of Trouble in Mind at the Hartford Stage regional theatre as an Assistant Director alongside Director and Joyce C. Willis Fellow, Christopher Betts. The show ran from May 25th - June 18th and featured Broadway actress, Heather Alicia Simms as the lead, Wiletta Mayer. The cast included: John Bambery (Al Manners), Sarah Lyddan(Judy Sears), Chelsea Lee Williams (Millie Davis), Michael Rogers (Sheldon Forrester) Richmond Hoxie (Henry), Sideeq Heard (John Nevins), James Joseph O’Neil (Bill O’ Wray), and Adam Langdon (Eddie Fenton). Please enjoy a few of the photos from the production’s run!
Little Men
“Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for NYU Tisch/Yellowbrick Film and TV Industry Essentials Certificate Program.”
“Originally conceived as a personal project, this endeavor relates to my aspirations upon high school graduation. I straddled the divide between adolescence and adulthood, thrust into the “real world.” In retrospect, I’ve come to recognize the profound impact of this transition, the trauma it inflicted, and my protracted journey to discover my voice within the global cacophony. Therefore, I intended to create a narrative that illuminated the repercussions of external expectations, whether from parents, society, or beyond. Simultaneously, I aimed to convey the universal nature of this transformative phase that all young individuals traverse. While this process eventually equips us with the tools to navigate life and discern our purpose, the initial struggle is a shared rite of passage.”
Is My Black Too Big For You?
“I penned this piece following my inspiration from Ntosake Shange’s poem “Lady in Red, Sorry.” The impetus behind my creation stemmed from years of my youth spent in silence and constant apologies for matters beyond my control. The moment I found my voice and expressed my thoughts, I was quickly labeled as overly outspoken, too loud, and excessively Black. Thus, this poem encapsulates my resolute stance, unapologetically advocating for Black voices across the spectrum.”
The Vagina Monologues
““Audre Lorde once remarked, ‘It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.’ As women, our experiences in life often share common threads. Many of us remain ensnared by our traumas, feeling isolated in the belief that we alone have endured such ordeals. This is why I consider the monologues to be of profound significance. They gather humanity under one roof, compelling the audience to listen to these women—whose voices are otherwise suppressed—and their stories. This catalyzes a healing force, not only for the women who share their testimonies but also for those who have never found the strength to speak out.””
Afrikan Youth Alchemy
FINAL FILM 2019
The Afrikan Youth Alchemy deepened my comprehension and proficiency in film and photography. Through this lens, I captured the essence of my people and their narratives, immortalizing their lives. This experience kindled a profound affection for my identity as a Black woman and a newfound appreciation for the collective identity of Black individuals.
— Blue