Maya Lilly (depicted below) has written and performs a one-woman show called Mixed, which addresses the issue of race as it pertains to people who cannot simply check one box.
In this one-woman show Ms. Lilly plays nine different characters. “You’re just so exotic. What are you?” Says one of the characters mimicking the general tone of strangers who approach her.
The characters whom Ms. Lilly portrays are representative of multi-cultural America. All of the characters struggle with wanting to fit in. These characters belong to many more than one group and/or culture, but are not necesarily welcomed by any of their communities.
The underlying theme of being pre-judged based on appearance is constant; so is the theme of identfiying with a particular culture or group of people.
The characters in this play are far from the typical characters, who are generally seen often in the media. Each one is either multi-racial or multi-cultural, and is rejected by the people who they feel they should be able to relate to the most. These characters struggle with trying to fit in and trying to figure out who they are.
More information about this play can be found at Maya Lilly’s website: http://www.mayalilly.com/.
