In Part 3A of Selah Theatre Project’s Theatre Talk series honoring Vivienne L. Jackson, host Bleu Do’zia sits down with Joanne Thompson, the actor who brought Ms. Vivienne to life in the original production of Ruth’s Tea Room.

This episode begins a two-part conversation exploring what it means to embody a woman whose presence shaped an entire community. Joanne reflects on stepping into the role of Ms. Vivienne, capturing not just her voice and mannerisms, but her spirit, her strength, and her quiet authority.

Ruth’s Tea Room drew hundreds from across the nation, many returning to remember, to reconnect, and to see Ms. Vivienne honored one more time. Through Joanne’s performance, memory became a movement: living, breathing, and shared in real time.

Part 3A focuses on the responsibility of portrayal: how an actor prepares to carry legacy, the weight of telling a true story, and the moments after the show where character becomes something deeper to the audience. 

This conversation is both artistic and personal laying the foundation for Part 3B, where the story moves beyond the stage and into the impact it left behind.

As Selah Theatre Project prepares to open the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts in 2026, this episode reminds us that before a name is placed on a building, it must first be understood, honored, and felt.

Because some stories are not performed. They are carried.

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Music Disclaimer: The intro music featured in this episode is “Selah” by Forrest Frank. Selah Theatre Project and Theatre Talk do not claim ownership of this music.

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