Willow: House of Griots | "...We're Finally Here."
Cast of “Willow: House of Griots” From Left to Right: Asha John, Suzanne Darrell, Kirrin Tubo, Cameisha Cotton, Ashley Noel Jones, David J. Cork, Kelly Thomas, Paul A. Notice II (creator/showrunner), Sonyi Lopez (1st AD), D. Malik Beckford, James Edward Betcon III, Glenn Quentin George
NOW PLAYING THIS JUNETEENTH WEEKEND!
“Willow” Short Film Screening w/ Q & A
Sunday, June 18th | 6PM -8PM
Stuart Cinema | 79 West St., Brooklyn, NY
Tickets at: bit.ly/Willowscreening
Ten years ago, when I was writing the original stage play, in which the series is based; I could only dream of the possibility of this moment. But here we are. Realizing the first stages of our TV show, “Willow: House of Griots.” And I’m so very thankful for the people who’ve joined me on this journey.
After the 1st rehearsal, I remember pacing back and forth in a basketball court at midnight, talking to my lil brother on the phone about how I knew this was a turning point for me and this project.
I had worked with casts before, I had written & directed plays (and films) before. Nevertheless, this was the culmination of years of experience - of triumphs and hard-taught lessons. My writing matured, evolved - and now with this cast’s insight and notes: it’s flourishing.
We have arrived.
Paul Notice backstage with “Willow: House of Griots” cast.
By showtime, my eyes were already watering at merely saying the words out loud: “I DREAMT of being here over a decade ago…”
“Here” wasn’t just the name of the venue. It was how I arrived, and who I arrived with.
“Here” was smarter, with a more nuanced understanding on how the world works, and how to work with different people. “Here” was listening and humbling oneself, adapting and trying again. “Here” was working with friends and loved ones to make something truly meaningful and worth telling.
And we’re finally “here.”
I have plans for this series. Stories to tell, that I wished I’ve seen when I was young. And this is just the beginning.
Over the next two years, my goal is to turn what we performed that Friday night, into the first four episodes of “Willow: House of Griots,” to be self-released on Amazon. I have plans for this series. Stories to tell, that I wished I’ve seen when I was young. And this is just the beginning.
You can catch the short film version coming up on Sunday, June 18th @6pm at Stuart Cinema.
Or you can support us by making a tax-deductible contribution to: donorbox.org/willowhorror
