Sally Mayes: Artist Profile

All About Solo's Editorial Team recently caught up with Sally Mayes, star of Contradiction of the Southern Soul, to learn about her journey through the world of solo theatre.

Tickets are available for Contradiction of the Southern Soul on March 22, March 29, and April 5 at 2:00 pm; April 9 at 8:30 pm; and April 12 at 2:00 pm, at United Solo's 20th Annual Solo Theatre Festival at Theatre Row in New York City.

Get tickets here.

You are a Tony-nominated, Drama Desk award-winning actor/singer. What inspired you to write your own musical now, and a solo musical too?

I wanted to write about the south. My south. The south I grew up in, bc good, bad, or indifferent, this is the world that made me.

Describe your show in 6 words.

Letting go, moving forward, and family

Your show is not only about family, but it also has a deep connection to your Texas roots. How has the place you come from influenced your art?

My dad taught me to sing. I was a child performer. My granny made my costumes, my mom did my hairdos and choreography. How could I not be shaped by that?

The tag line is “sometimes looking back is the only way forward…” What does that mean to you?

To me, it means that our history, our memories, are the things that form you, make you the person you end up being. The strength of your foundation can help you find your way through all that life throws at you.

This is your debut theatre piece as playwright and songwriter. Do you see yourself creating more theatre pieces?

Already working on the next one!

Contradications of the Southern Soul

March 22, March 29, and April 5 at 2:00 pm; April 9 at 8:30 pm; and April 12 at 2:00 pm

United Solo Theatre Festival

Theatre Row, New York City