‘Black Super Hero Magic Mama’ swoops into Columbia’s Trustus Theatre

By day, LaQuana Aldridge is an assistant principal at Midway Elementary School in Lexington 1. But at night, she becomes someone else. Something else. No, not the Green Arrow. But close.

She plays Sabrina Jackson, the lead character in Trustus Theatre’s new “Black Super Hero Magic Mama,” which opens Friday, Aug. 4.

Written by Inda Craig-Galván and directed by Stan Brown, Jackson is a single black mother whose 14-year-old son was just gunned down by a white police officer. Envisioning her son’s Maasai Angel comic book, Jackson finds herself living out a fantasy where she is a super hero crime fighter. Will she ever return to the real world? You’ll have to grab a seat and tune in just like everyone else for that answer.

In the meantime, Go Columbia talked with Aldridge about her debut Trustus role and what drew her to playing the woman behind the mask.

Q: What inspired you to get into acting?

A: Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by the idea of playing characters. Whether it was writing, directing, and acting out soap opera type scenes with my Barbie collection or pretending to be the Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, acting has always been a personal hobby.

Q: What drew you to star in “Black Super Hero Magic Mama”?

A: Honestly, it never occurred to me that I’d be playing the main character. Once I reviewed the draft script included with the audition information, I just wanted to be part of the show in some capacity. I was really impressed by the script concept. I was shocked to learn I’d been chosen for the lead role.

Q: Did you have any reservations about the script? How did you personally connect with the story?

A: This script resonates with me on so many different levels, it is uncanny! My only reservation about the script was how it would tell the story of the shooting from the police officer’s perspective. I say that because aside from connecting with the script as a black female and a mother, I am also the proud wife of a police officer. Police officers are human beings just like everyone else, faced with making quick decisions that may not always have the best results or be the best choice. They may not all be great people, but they are not all villains either. We do not often get to hear the full side of their stories in the media with these kinds of situations. So it was my hope that this play would take on a new perspective in that area when tackling such sensitive subject matter.

Q: How is the show staged? Costumed? What were both processes like?

A: The show is comprised of a stage and costumes that represent two worlds – inner city Chicago and a comic book reality to which my character escapes in the aftermath of the shooting. It was incredible working with such a talented crew who was able to make both worlds come to life in such a visually stunning way. It was also pretty fun to dress up as super hero!

Q: According to a release from Trustus on the show, the play “will inspire a shift of perspective when it comes to the way that our nation views the current social situation surrounding black youth, police forces, and the commentary provided by journalists.” What are your thoughts on that?

A: I certainly hope it sparks inspiration. “Black Super Hero Magic Mama” is a perfect catalyst for conversation regarding the current social climate surrounding black youth and police officers, if audiences are willing to be vulnerable enough to “take that ride” along with these characters. This show really asks audiences to think deeper about their own biases, and I feel that is so important in this day and age.

Q: What feeling or thought do you want the audience to walk away with? What is the universal theme?

A: I would say the universal theme is healing and how that looks from the perspective of multiple parties involved in a tragedy. Nothing is truly ever isolated. As for the audience? I truly believe that people can no longer be afraid to have difficult conversations if they intend on making society better for all people. The first step toward positive change begins with a civilized conversation. It is my hope that audiences walk away ready to spark that conversation.

This story was originally published August 2, 2017 at 11:30 AM with the headline "‘Black Super Hero Magic Mama’ swoops into Columbia’s Trustus Theatre."