Loosely based on Founding Artistic Director Alric Davis' story, Bashful, and the Noize resonated so deeply with such a small audience for its reading at the Kennedy Center but garnered interest from many people living abroad because of its universal themes and fresh interpretation. Writing this work was truly transformational, a journey back to what pulls me to art in the first place - to empower viewers and create a safe space to interrogate large subjects otherwise unobtainable. We all know the importance of art that starts conversation, so that viewers at any age learn that they have a voice, and they matter. With its central character - Bash, a queer Black boy with a dangerous name who many would deem a threat- the play reiterates the oft-ignored truth: the youth are the culture makers and innovators overlooked for their intelligence and value. I hope to offer my perspective to help create a cross- generational conversation in which art is both universal and necessary.