Truth In This Art Podcast - Your Source for Conversations with Artists, Innovators & Cultural Leaders

Welcome to "The Truth in This Art" podcast with your host, Rob Lee! In this episode, we are delighted to have Aladrian Wetzel and Christen Cromwell from the Two Strikes Theater Collective. Two Strikes Theatre Collective is a Baltimore-based theater company the empowers and uplifts Black womxn's voices. Two Strikes' mission is to create art that is unapologetically Black femme centric, to upset the White patriarchal status quo, and to provide creative outlets for Black womxn in the Baltimore community to express themselves through art.

Aladrian Wetzel is the Executive Director of the Two Strikes Theater Collective. She is also the communications manager and a playwright. Aladrian is passionate about creating art that centers around black women and challenges the white patriarchal status quo.
Christen Cromwell is the Director of Play Development at the Two Strikes Theater Collective. She is also an English teacher and a theater artist. Christen is dedicated to supporting black actors, directors, and playwrights and providing them with opportunities in the Baltimore theater community.

Today's episode uncovers:

  • The mission of the Two Strikes Theater Collective, as they strive to create art that centers around black women and challenges the white patriarchal status quo.
  • Explore the elements that make a good play, focusing on the importance of three-dimensional characters that feel real and relatable.
  • Hear from Aladrian and Christen about their earliest experiences with theater and how these shaped their profound passion for the arts, leading them to support black artists.
  • Delve into the state of the Baltimore theater scene, as the collective addresses the need for more diversity and representation, prioritizing black women's voices and stories in their transformative work.

Join us as we explore the empowering world of black femme-centric art and the impact of challenging the status quo in the Baltimore theater community. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on creativity, representation, and the art of theater. In this episode, Rob Lee interviews Aladrian Wetzel and Christen Cromwell from the Two Strikes Theater Collective. They discuss the mission of the company, which is to create art that is unapologetically black femme-centric, challenge the white patriarchal status quo, and provide creative outlets for black women in the Baltimore community. Aladrian and Christen share their perspectives on what makes a good play, their earliest experiences with theater, and their favorite black women protagonists in film and television. They also talk about the Baltimore theater scene and the need for more diversity and representation.


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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators & Guests

Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Guest
Aladrian Wetzel
Executive Director of the Two Strikes Theater Collective.
Guest
Christen Cromwell
Director of Play Development at the Two Strikes Theater Collective.

What is Truth In This Art Podcast - Your Source for Conversations with Artists, Innovators & Cultural Leaders?

"Truth In This Art Podcast," hosted by Rob Lee, brings to light the stories of artists, innovators, and cultural leaders, showcasing the profound impact of creativity on society. It offers an in-depth look at how art shapes our world, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration. This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the arts and their role in societal and personal growth, featuring discussions on the creative process, cultural innovation, and the power of artistic expression.