We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rueben D. Echoles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rueben D. below.

Rueben D., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I was meant to be an Artist when my mother took me to see Sarafina at The Regal Theater in Chicago. The minute I stepped into the theater I knew I was at home! The detail in the decor, the sophistication and artistic fashion of the crowd, and the way the seats felt soft and expensive, like a throne of sorts to my tiny 8 year old self, all told me This was exactly where I belonged. I felt all of this and The show had not yet begun, but then…The lights dimmed and the ceiling of the theater lit up as if to mimick a the heavens and a voice filled the room in a “God like” gentle but firm manner instructing us to turn off our pagers and unwrap our candies, and I said to myself “Wait you can eat Candy in here too? I’m in!!” The voice Thanked us for coming to The Regal in a British Accent and Told us to Enjoy our evening “Under the stars” and I was instantly transported to some magical Island from which you can see every single star in the Galaxy, When all of a Sudden, The curtain opened and There were BLACK people on stage, Darkskinned Black people from Africa, ON STAGE!! I had never seen anything like it. I mean I had seen black performers on television, but performers in person?? On stage?? The only place I had seen that was a church, but they weren’t talking about Church, They were going to school, Like me, as a matter of fact ,They are wearing uniforms to school, like me. The Characters also walked through dangerous neighborhoods to get ro school, Like me!! Wait, They look like Me!! ALL of them looked like me, my family and my friends, which said to me I could do what they were doing. “I Can Be Up there!!!! I Can tell my story too” were the thoughts that would not leave and have not keft my mind until this very day. That play Changed My Life! Im so grateful my mother took me to see Sarafina at The Regal Theater in Chicago!!!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rueben D. Echoles and I am an Artist who loves Theater!! I am an Artist who is dedicated to Telling Black Stories and creating Spaces Where Black Artists Fell seen Heard and Welcomed, Throughout The World! I am a Producer, Playwright, Director, Performer, Choreographer, Costume and Wig Designer, as well as a visual Artist. I served as The Associate Artistic Director of Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago for over 15 years. In that position I was commissioned to Write/Direct and Choreograph several new works which include “Once Upon A People”, Urban Love Story”, “A New Attitude: In Tribute To Patti LaBelle”, “My Brother’s Keeper: The Story of The Nicholas Brothers”, “Sound So Sweet” “One Name Only” and “The Last Dancer Standing” to name a few. I have costume designed for such Theaters as Porchlight Music Theater, Paramount Theatre, Writers Theater, Congo Square Theater Company, MmPaact, Olney Theater, Phoenix Theater Company, and Black Ensemble Theater where I costumed “You Can’t Fake The Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music” for which I received A Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Costume Design.
My wig design work has taken me across the country with such Theaters as The Muny, The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northern Carolina Theater Company, Olney Theater, Michigan University, Amanda Miller Designs NYC, and Olney Theater Center. I am currently The Associate Wig Designer for “A Christmas Carol” at The Goodman Theater in Chicago.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Im FOREVER COMMITTED to creating art, telling stories and creating spaces both Artistic and Otherwise where Black People feel seen, heard, and Loved. I do this by creating Art that is infused with Black Excellence, Black Resilience, Black Uniqueness, Black Culture, and Black People. I will never stop working toward the goal of making this world and place where All people are free to be themselves fully and unapologetically!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe Art takes us on a journey of the human experience from many different points of view. This allows all who encounter Art an inside look at various experiences, some of which, one may not have known about, had it not been for Art. That, to me, is fascinating and as A creative I see my self and an Architect helping to shape and create portals to new worlds. I consider that an honor and a privilege bestowed by God!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: RuebenEcostumes

Image Credits

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