

Is it at all intimidating to find yourself among the cast/chorus of a theatrical triumph as grand as FELA!?
I can't say that I find the prospect intimidating. I think instead I am simply excited at the idea of working with such a dance legend as Bill T. Jones and I’m honoured to have been chosen to embody the vision behind the production that is Fela!
What are you most looking forward to when FELA! gets going in the
To be a performer on the stage of the Olivier Theatre at the prestigious National Theatre is going to be a great honour, and when I think of being on that stage, moving and singing in a production like FELA!, I get goosebumps.
How have you been finding your experiences in the arts abroad? Are you also studying and teaching?
I have been living in
What lessons are you most grateful for at this stage of your life and artistic career?
Knowing one's self-worth is very important, and thankfully I am at that point of knowing exactly what I can offer and what perhaps I cannot. This knowledge makes me confident in auditions and less devastated if I don't get the job. I understand now that 'No' doesn't necessarily mean ‘You're no good’. It simply means that in that instance you don't fit the bill of what they're looking for. Life can be hard and brutal in an artistic world ruled by opinions and preferences, but knowing one's worth makes a world of difference between pushing forward and giving up.
Earlier this year, we lost the legendary Rex Nettleford. What are your fondest memories of him, and what did you learn from working with him?
To think of Professor always makes me feel calm and warm inside. I miss him. To think of Prof immediately brings to mind the resonant sounds that he made with his vocals. He could sound out the feeling behind a movement, the rhythm of it. If you closed your eyes and listened to his “yaa kang ka” you could envision exactly what he wanted. I loved that! He demanded100% all the time, and that's what I try to give to this day.
Speaking of Nettleford, will we ever see you back on stage locally performing with the NDTC?
That's a definite yes! I've been dying to come back and perform with the company as well as create new work on them too. So definitely keep an eye out for me for the future (Laughs).
How do you hope the next chapter of your life and career unfolds?
It's an interesting question and an interesting word, the word hope. We will always hope that everything goes well, but for now I have adapted the belief that my path is being lit by the universe, and if I follow the signs, it will lead me to where I hope to be. And for me that is running my own dance company and creating art through dance. So as far as next chapters go, I can only hope that it sees me still using my talents and being given even greater opportunities to explore them.


For more on Maxwell’s upcoming
Related Posts:
* Scenes from a season: The NDTC @ 47 (2009)
* Jermaine Rowe: “I’m Living My Passion”

