Tameka Bob's 'The Maya In Me'

Tameka Bob is the true definition of a Southern Girl. Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, her morals are strong and foundation solid. Raised in a single-parent home, she watched her mother work long hours and simultaneously pursue a college degree, all in an effort to provide for her children.

After years of experience as a Mental Health Counselor, and a few Film and Television roles, she made the faith filled decision to relocate to Los Angeles, California. From La to L.A., Tameka is now looking to connect with you on various levels.

[Referenced from Tameka Bob's website: https://www.tamekabob.com/about]

It is great to peak with you Tameka about your new one-woman show and how you have worked the poetry of the late Dr. Maya into it,

Q) 'The Maya In Me' is a one-woman show that explores episodes in your own life Tameka. Was it therapeutic writing it?

A) Yes it is. It is a personal story. Writing my story was very therapeutic. After writing the first page, tears were flowing. Issues I thought were resolved clearly were not. Sometimes we repress thoughts and actions from our past so it will not cause us any pain. However, it is always good to pull those difficulties back up to face them with honesty and clarity.

Q) Why did you choose Maya Angelou to channel, if you will, in telling this one-woman story?

A) I honestly cannot remember the one moment where I chose Dr. Angelou. I believe it just evolved. I think a lot. Some would say I'm an over thinker. But what I do know, is that I've always enjoyed her work. And as I began to study her life more, there were similarities that could not be denied.
Q) If Maya Angelou were alive today, what would you hope her response would be about 'The Maya In Me'?

A) I believe her response would be "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." She certainly believed in paying it forward, which I would think is the reason for her 7 autobiographies. She wanted to help heal others by sharing her experiences. And that's my motivation, to tell my story so that I can help another young girl to make wise decisions. As a result, I pray that they also pay it forward.

Q) When does the show premiere and where will be people be able to see it's first run?

A) The Maya in Me will premiere at THE BROADWATER SECOND STAGE - June 3, 2018. Tickets will be available at www.hollywoodfringe.org

Q) What is your goal for this show from a production stand-point? Do you plan to tour nationally with the show?

A) This summer premiere is just the start of a movement. A movement to invoke thought regarding self-assessment, in order to make better choices. I would love to tour this show nationally, as well as make my way around the college market.

Q) Who do you want the show to reach. Who is your target market for the show?

A) My target audience is young adult women, and those who have been directly or indirectly affected by substance abuse. With that being said, there is something for everyone - married couples, men, etc...

Q) Who were some of your influences in acting? Who do you admire out there in the acting world currently?

A) My acting influences are pretty current. They include Cicely Tyson, Whoopi Goldberg, Merryl Streep, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, and Joe Morton

Q) If you could work with one actor and one actress in a film right now, who would that be, and why?

A) Cicely Tyson - I would love her to be my on-screen mom. Even in her wise age, I believe I can gain so much from her. She's a legend, and I have always loved to sit down with my elders and simply learn from their experiences. She soared during a time where it was very difficult for women who looked like us. And I would love to hear all about it, maybe over coffee and toast.

Q) You also have a radio talk show? What is the show format, and how can our readers tune in to listen to the show?

A) Actually, I have an online talk show titled Dr. Bob's REAL Reality. During the first season, I was able to sit down with various successful women who shared their journey to success. Currently, because I am pretty much focusing on The Maya in Me, I have chosen to host the show on social media. I simply choose a topic to discuss in which I feel would be helpful to my audience. Followers are able to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Dr. Bob's REAL Reality takes place on INSTAGRAM every Monday at 7:00 p.m. PST. The first season can be viewed on my website at www.tamekabob.com

Q) Where do you see yourself as an actress in 5 years?

A) In 5 years, I see myself dating Oscar and hanging out with Emmy. But most importantly, I see myself with several projects I have created and have ownership of. In addition, continuously working in purpose by serving and ministering to the people through creative means of delivery.

Q) You obviously write and produce, do you see yourself transitioning to becoming more of a filmmaker over acting or trying to keep a balance in doing both?

A) I would love to keep a balance between both, sort of like Oprah Winfrey. Hey Auntie Oprah!

Q) Finally, what advice would you give any young people in grade school who may be thinking they would like to act, write and produce as a career?

A) I would say to start now. Read, read, and read more. Stay in school, and perfect your craft. Do not only study acting or writing; study english, math, and science. Education is very important. Go as far as you can in school. This career is not going anywhere. Take your time, live your life. Your life experiences + your education will produce a better actor/writer/producer. Stay grounded. Do not get excited by the glitz and glam. Make good decisions and use your common sense in all areas of your life. And lastly, be a leader, not a follower. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Q) How can our readers find you on social media Tameka?

A) Tameka Bob on FB, IG, and Linkedin; mekabob on Twitter; and www.tamekabob.com

Thank you for taking the time to share with us about your wonderful one-woman show and we look forward to seeing it as it tours the country at various venues around the country.

The MAYA in ME, is a one-woman theatrical production written and performed by Tameka Bob.

Tameka tells the transparent and timely personal story of love, hardship, and resilience. Set in New Orleans, Louisiana, the story begins with an all too familiar scenario during childhood, and walks the audience through her young adult life as the girlfriend of a Heroin addict, and progresses to an escape marriage, all while working toward a Doctorate degree.

There are many twists and turns during this ride of love and life. How does she maneuver it all? Dr. Maya Angelou, played by Tameka Bob, offers similar experiences and advice during her journey

Maya Angelou was one of America’s most beloved and celebrated poets and authors, with dozens of awards and over 50 honorary degrees attesting to her inspirational role at the center of American life. In 1993, she was invited to recite her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, making her the first poet since 1961 to deliver an inaugural recitation. Her lifetime of achievement was rewarded in 2000 when she received the National Medal of Arts, and in 2010 President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the country’s highest honors.

The famed author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), the first of her seven autobiographies for which she became known, lived a long and storied life. We know her well as a memoirist, essayist and poet, who authored several books of poetry, three books of essays, and a list of plays, movies, and television shows. She was also a journalist who worked in Africa, a historian, songwriter, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer and singer.

And as an activist, she was one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most prominent women, who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and devoted her life to being a tireless voice for women and black people — and for an open-hearted vision of humanity where all could find their place. On May 28, 2014, the great Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86, leaving a legacy that will surely be cherished for many decades to come.

[Reference excerpted from Goalcast]