Knock Me A Kiss featuring Toyin Moses

Lenora and Yolande in Knock Me A Kiss.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

 What happens when you mix vision, romance, and betrayal with Harlem Renaissance aristocracy?  Why, the marriage of the century of course!  Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of a true event, the marriage of the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, to the poet Countee Cullen.
W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

Toyin Moses as Yolande.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

"This is Yolande’s story, and so we are left with only her point of view, a liminal view of a larger period. This is the very definition of a dramatization. And the playwright, Charles Smith, understands how best to incorporate the larger societal elements and focus them into a smaller family drama, a tricky thing for a writer to do successfully. The period was captured effectively in this production through the costumes, by designer Naila Aladdin Sanders, and the music (Gilbert Glenn Brown)."
-Review by Patrick Hurley for Life in LA.

I caught up with Toyin Moses who plays the daughter of W.E.B Du Bois, Yolande, in Knock Me A Kiss and asked her thoughts about the production.

Question: I am always fascinated when an actress lands a role of a historical figure in history.  Did you know about the "Black marriage of the century" prior to accepting the role?  What aspects did you find interesting about Yolande and her life?
Toyin:  I first learned of the "Black marriage of the century" when we did an in house reading of the play a couple of years ago.  After reading about how the marriage came to symbolize and encompass so much possibility and hope for one race, I immediately became intrigued in Yolande.  What it must have been like to be the daughter of such an influential person. Very rarely do we get to glimpse into the lives of the people behind the historical figures. There are some wonderful letters between Yolande and her father that show the dynamics of their relationship.  Through these readings I became interested in Yolande's innocence at a critical time in her life when she is asserting her independence.  I think the playwright, Charles Smith, captures this dichotomy beautifully.

Question:  Do you have a favorite Countee Cullen quote or poem?
Toyin:
I have a rendezvous with Life,
In days I hope will come,
Ere youth has sped, and strength of mind,
Ere voices sweet grow dumb.
I have a rendezvous with Life,

Yolande and Countee.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita 

Jimmy making his move on Yolande.  
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

When Spring's first heralds hum.
Sure some would cry it's better far
To crown their days with sleep
Than face the road, the wind and rain,
To heed the calling deep.
Though wet nor blow nor space I fear,
Yet fear I deeply, too,
Lest Death should meet and claim me ere
I keep Life's rendezvous.

"(Charles) Smith’s play skillfully hints at the curse implicit within the idea of “being an example” to others, and there’s a genuine sense of tragedy in the notion that these characters are crucified to their reputations. Moses’ beautifully identifiable Yolande champs against the bridle of being forced to choose a “suitable” mate, as opposed to the un-presentable man she is really attracted to."
-Review by Paul Birchall for Stage Raw.

Question:  How about a favorite W.E.B Du Bois quote?
Toyin:  "There is but one coward on earth, and that is the coward that dare not know."

Question:  Yolande Du Bois has some very interesting notions regarding romance.  I'm having some fun with a game of word association with some of the other cast members. So here it goes Toyin, I say "Romance" and you give me the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
Romance...

Toyin Moses as Yolande Du Bois. 
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

Toyin:  Patience.  I think there is nothing more romantic than a Love being patient with their partner.  Patience to come to a true understanding of the other; Patience to listen; Patience to fall in favor of the others likes and wants.  Just patience, the world turns slowly if you want it to, so you might as well enjoy the moment with each other....

Question:  Now, how would Yolande respond to the word association?  Ok, Ready Yolande?
Romance...
Yolande:  Flowers baby, flowers!  Holding hands and strolling through the park, candlelight, kisses, that butterfly feeling you get when his eyes smile at you....

Knock Me A Kiss will be performed April 5th- May 4th

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30

*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20

Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)

*with ID

Tickets:
http://www.thelatc.org
Or call: 886-811-4111