Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps is a multifaceted professional in the theater industry, wearing many hats as a teacher, director, intimacy coordinator, and diversity advocate. Her journey through the arts has been shaped by both her passion for storytelling and the challenges she has faced in a field that often lacks representation.
Her current project is directing Central Florida Vocal Arts’ production of The Light in the Piazza which opens November 15th at The Plaza Live.
Early Exposure to the Arts
Growing up in Jacksonville, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi was fortunate to attend an arts elementary school, which provided her with a foundation in the arts from a young age. However, she quickly realized that her passion for theater was often met with societal pressures, particularly the impact of toxic masculinity. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the arts, where she could express herself freely and authentically.
Intersectional Challenges in Theater
As a Black, queer, trans, and fat individual in the theater world, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi has encountered numerous obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of color-conscious casting and the need for advocacy within the industry. For her, representation is not just about visibility; it’s about creating spaces where all artists can thrive.
She shares, “being black in theater is hard, being queer and being queer in theater is hard, being trans in theater is hard, being fat in theater is hard…So all of those things being intersectional in one person… makes you invisible a lot of the time.”
In her advocacy work, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi engages in conversations that challenge stereotypes and push for more diverse portrayals in theater. She believes that changing perceptions is crucial for creating a more inclusive environment for all performers.
Core Memories and Transformative Experiences
One of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s core memories involves her role as Madame de la Grande Bouche in a production of *Beauty and the Beast*, directed by Roberta Emerson. This experience taught her the significance of taking up space and embracing authenticity in her performance. However, she also faced disheartening moments, such as being told she couldn’t be cast in a role due to her weight and race. These experiences fueled her passion for advocating for diverse casting and the emotional care needed for actors in the industry.
Advocacy and Cultural Competency
Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences. She is committed to educating others about the challenges faced by marginalized groups in theater. Influenced by initiatives like “We See You, White American Theater,” she stresses the necessity for active advocacy, particularly in light of social movements and events that call for change.
For her, creating systems of care and accountability in theater is essential for fostering a healthier, more inclusive environment.
She adds that “there’s sometimes a lack of forethought when putting a performer in a role… not being conscious about how that role is going to impact them, and not necessarily caring for them emotionally or mentally, while they’re in the space working on that role.”
A Vision for the Future
When asked about her vision for the future of theater, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi expresses hope for a landscape where diversity and inclusion are intuitive rather than an afterthought. She envisions a world with more queer romance, varied body types, and authentic representations of diverse backgrounds in media. Intentionality in casting is key to achieving these goals.
Impact on The Light in the Piazza
Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s vision deeply influences her work on *Light in the Piazza*. She prioritizes casting the best person for each role while being intentional about representation. This approach ensures that the production reflects the rich diversity of human experiences, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
“There’s always an assumption about what various places in the world look like. There’s an assumption about what Americans in the 1950s would have looked like. There’s an assumption about what Italians in general look like, or Italians in the 1950s would have looked like. And while there is something to be said for specific types of people existing, those weren’t the only people that existed.”
Additionally, she encouraged, “let’s really illustrate more of what reality looks like. Yes, there’s the willful suspension of disbelief. Yes, people are coming to the theater to escape, but you’re making the assumption that the same type of person is always coming to the theater to escape.”
A Message for the Audience
Ultimately, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi hopes the audience will embrace the romantic storyline and find beauty in the music of *Light in the Piazza*. Her guiding message for the show is simple yet profound: “Always assume that love is waiting for you to find it.” She hopes to inspire the audience to see themselves represented and to connect with the characters’ journey toward love.
Final Thoughts
Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps’ journey in theater is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Through her work, she aims to lead with love and openness, encouraging both artists and audiences to embrace the transformative power of representation. As she continues to navigate her path in the arts, her commitment to authenticity and diversity remains a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future in theater.
Learn more about Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps’ upcoming project, The Light in the Piazza!
Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with soaring melodies and heartwarming moments. Tickets to performances of The Light in the Piazza at The Plaza Live are available now at CentralFloridaVocalArts.org.