S2.E13 | Fatima Quander | Shaping Theatre through Black Women’s Stories
05/16/25 • 55 min
In this episode of KeyBARD, I sit down with actor, director, and educator Fatima Quander, whose 20+ year career in theater is deeply rooted in research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.
We talk about everything from her first spark of inspiration in a second-grade classroom closet to her current work, teaching and directing at the University of Maryland.
Fatima shares how she approaches directing through an actor’s lens, how she creates joyful and intentional rehearsal spaces, and why centering Black women is not a choice, but a natural, necessary truth in her practice.
She reflects on her time with FRESHH Inc. Theatre Company, building community with Black girls and women, and why For Colored Girls belongs right alongside Shakespeare in the canon.
🔗 Learn more about Fatima's work: fatimaquander.com
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
In this episode of KeyBARD, I sit down with actor, director, and educator Fatima Quander, whose 20+ year career in theater is deeply rooted in research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.
We talk about everything from her first spark of inspiration in a second-grade classroom closet to her current work, teaching and directing at the University of Maryland.
Fatima shares how she approaches directing through an actor’s lens, how she creates joyful and intentional rehearsal spaces, and why centering Black women is not a choice, but a natural, necessary truth in her practice.
She reflects on her time with FRESHH Inc. Theatre Company, building community with Black girls and women, and why For Colored Girls belongs right alongside Shakespeare in the canon.
🔗 Learn more about Fatima's work: fatimaquander.com
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
Previous Episode
S2.E12 | J.J. Johnson Part 2 | Theatre, Film, and Building Community
Part 2 of 2
Our discussion continues with actor, writer, and teaching artist J.J. Johnson taking us deeper into his creative process.
He shares what it’s like to navigate the vulnerability, pressure, and freedom of creating a solo theatre piece, as well as the intensely collaborative nature of writing for film.
He also reflects on the origins of Galvanize, a truly special network for Black theatricals in the DMV, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025.
Connect with J.J.:
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.
Listen and Connect:
- Spotify: Follow, Rate, and Share
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe, Review, and Rate
- Instagram: @Keybard_IG
- Facebook: The KeyBARD Podcast
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