10 Questions
Take Ten: MARQUIS GIBSON
MARQUIS GIBSON is “enjoying the privilege of stepping into Frederick Douglass’ shoes,” during The Raid, at Theater Alliance through March 18. Get the scoop on the actor’s rise from perennial Christmas Play narrator, and his time-travel dreams of seeing the acting triumvirate of James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, and Maya Angelou.
1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?
The first show I remember seeing was devised play entitled The Story: African-Americans Who Made A Difference, at Hillside High School long before I attended. Mentor and drama director, Wendell Tabb, always tells powerful stories of the Black experience. Seeing figures like Frederick Douglass, Shirley Chisolm, and Malcolm X as real people inspired me to embrace my Blackness in my artistry.
2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?
It was the annual Christmas play at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Durham, NC. They always needed at least one boy who wasn’t afraid to be a narrator. It was the same script for decades but I couldn’t get enough of it.
3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?
My favorite musical is Passing Strange by Stew. It’s more of a play-musical hybrid. It reminds me of the importance of family, the challenges of growing into who you are and the healing, transformative, alchemic qualities of being an artist..
4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?
I tried canvassing for a popular organization for maybe 2 hours during the summer after my 1st year in college. Much respect for people that can do it for hours no matter the weather, but it was a hard no for me.
5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?
It was during my first professional show post-graduation—August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. It was our first live audience opening week and I stuttered through the entirety of my first line. The audience saw it as comedic so it wasn’t difficult to play into that but still—always warm up.
6) What are you enjoying most about working on The Raid at Theater Alliance?
I’m enjoying the privilege of stepping into Frederick Douglass’ shoes, if only for 1 hour 20 minutes. The subject is heavy and I hope to pay homage in my small way by giving myself over to the story every night. I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with the ensemble, creative team and audiences that join us on the ride..
7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?
My uncle Stewart James Gibson. He was taken from us when I was very young but my grandma compares myself and a couple other male cousins to him quite often. I want to get a sense of who he was beyond the stories, to get to know the man behind the myth.
8) What is your dream role/job?
That’s tough. While there are many projects I’d love to work on, I think the dream role/job for me is the one that I write/create myself.
9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?
The Blacks by Jean Genet. It blends conversations about race, identity in a farcical way. The original cast include James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou—enough said.
10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?
Remember that you are more than enough.
Marquis D. Gibson is currently appearing as Frederick Douglass in The Raid at Theater Alliance. Local credits include Black Nativity (2014 & 2015, Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble), 295N at Signature Theatre, Bhavi the Avenger at Convergence Theatre, Wig Out! (understudy) at Studio Theatre, Well at 1st Stage, Journey to the West at Constellation Theatre and Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre. Regional credits include Mother Emanuel at SoHo Playhouse/NYC Fringe, Shakespeare in Love at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Baltimore CenterStage, The Piano Lesson at Cape Fear Regional Theatre and Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope at New Freedom Theatre. He has served as a teaching artist with Camp Usanii in Durham, NC, performed abroad in Kenya and Australia, and trained with AADA Los Angeles and Springboard NYC. Marquis is a proud alumnus of Howard University. www.marquisdgibson.com
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