Troy student to present original monolouge for SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories event

Troy student Darius Cabell, a sophomore theatre major from Clarksville, Tennessee, has been offered the opportunity to present his monologue, “Epiphany” at Barter Theatre’s annual SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories event – an event meant to highlight black artists. 

“I was truly speechless,” Cabell said. “I called my mom immediately to tell her that we’re going to Virginia. 

“From there I got to call a lot of other people that were very supportive of me and this whole event really made me feel needed in the performing arts industry.” 

University Relations photo

Cabell smiles on the quad for a photo.

The event’s mission is to give a proper voice to some of those who have been historically overlooked in theatre and the arts. “Epiphany” shares a similar sentiment and is based off of Cabell’s personal experiences. 

“The message is that [the narrator’s] family couldn’t do it, but he was able to because he had to push beyond the boundaries his family had set for themselves,” Cabell said. “Don’t let what you’ve seen around you affect how you build or how you grow because you are making your own story.” 

The monologue is more than just encouraging words for other people in similar situations, though. Those words are what Cabell makes the effort to live his life by.  

Additionally, the chair of the theatre and dance department, Tori Lee Averett, believes that exact outlook on life is what will take him farther in his career as a theatre professional. 

“Darius is eager, passionate, curious and determined,” Averett said. “He is looking for ways to learn and grow through his writing and theatre making - this is the perfect opportunity for his budding career.” 

Despite the joy and gratefulness he feels for the opportunity, Cabell says he didn’t write “Epiphany” for his career – he wrote it for his community. 

“My monologue talks about something that happens a lot in the black community, and I just feel that this needs to be heard so maybe some other people can push forward to create a new normal,” Cabell said. 

This focus on the experience of others drew attention and help from one of his professors, as well. 

“I read the piece in its first stages and made some suggestions,” said Quinton Cockrell, associate professor of theatre. “I think it is a great idea and good work.   

“Darius took a situation from his life in college and turned it into art. He channeled frustration into something positive that others can enjoy.” 

Shining a light on the less-respected creatives of the world is something Averett believes is incredibly important for Cabell and the SHINE festival to focus on. 

“We need stories on stage that represent all types of people of every color, shape, size, age, background, faith, etc,” Averett said. “There have been moments in our shared history when not all creative voices – including Black creative voices – have been seen or honored, making it that much more important to ensure that the opportunities to celebrate these artists and storytellers are abundant and elevated.” 

SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories will take place on Feb. 27 in Abingdon, Virginia. This will be the fifth year that Barter Theatre holds the event.