By LaShay Fletcher
What does it mean to die? Who and what can we take with us when it’s time to go? In this adaptation of Everyman, an unknown author’s 15th-century play, Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins explores these questions with a touch of humor and a little edge that audiences will enjoy.
Bowie State University is Maryland’s oldest HBCU, and the hallmark of BSU Theatre is its incubation of the next generation of Black creatives by entrusting students with shared decision-making across programs and productions. The upperclassmen production team collaborated to bring this play to life. For some, such as student director Jalayah Muhammad, this is their first time in a leadership role on the creative team.
Here is a glimpse into the minds of the emerging artists and how they are changing the artistic process to respond to this moment that challenges our sense of humanity:
Jalayah Muhammad (Director)
As this play is your debut into the direction world, what was your first thought when you were offered the position?
I was honored that my professors trusted me enough to direct the fall production. As a performer who loves bringing stories to life on stage, I was excited to bring my own creative vision to life in a new way.
What were some of the challenges you had to overcome while going through this experience?
One of the challenges I had to overcome was learning not to be so hard on myself and giving myself grace, especially since this was my first time directing. I realized I don’t know all the answers and that it’s okay to ask questions.
What is something you will take with you from the BSU theater community after you graduate?
The most important thing I’ll take with me is the value of teamwork in the theater field. As a director, my job wouldn’t be possible without the cast and creative team. Their creative visions, along with the actors’ performances, bring the story to life. Everything is a team effort, and it’s always important to network, ask questions, and learn from others across different areas of theater.
Devin Harper (Actor playing Usher/God)
What drew you to audition for the play?
The first time I read this play was for class, and I immediately fell in love with the comedy and the moral of the play. Once I heard that this play was being put on, I instantly was like “YES! ABSOLUTELY!”
What is it like to act in such a comedic play?
To act in such a comedic play is so exciting. The amount of fun we have between the production team and actors, we all get to play around, but we still get the work done.
Genesis Bratcher (Stage Manager)
What is the message of the play that people should take with them?
I feel that the main message of the play is that in your life, you have choices. You can either be a good person or you can be a terrible person. Because at the end of the day, when you die, no one talks about how much money you had, or about the clothes you were wearing — they talk about how you treated people because that’s what actually matters.
Why should people see Everybody?
People should see Everybody because, for one, you should support the theater department. We have some really cool, creative people here who have great ideas. But second, it is going to be a great time, you know? It’s gonna be a lot of fun. There’s going to be a lot of laughs. So you should come see Everybody if you want to have a good time.
Ryan Chandler-Wilson (Sound Designer)
What surprised you most about your role?
I think what surprised me the most is having to make quick changes very fast, having to think on my feet, and being able to adapt really quickly to different sorts of directions or changing things in the booth in the midst of rehearsal.
In what ways do you use your design language to tell this story?
I used sound design to amplify what the actors are doing on stage. So whatever I can do to help their scene fit their character more and fit the vibe more, that’s what is more important.
What does Everybody mean to you?
Everybody has a lesson for everyone. It means to live life in a way that you will be proud of when you die. I think it means live life without regrets, but also focusing on the truly important things.
Everybody plays Thursday, November 6, through Saturday, November 8, 2025, with performances at 7:30 pm each night and a 2:30 pm matinee on Saturday, November 8. BSU Theatre performs in the Dionne Warwick Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD. Seating is limited. The show runs for about 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets ($15 for general admission; $10 for students and seniors) can be purchased online.
LaShay Fletcher is a junior Acting/Directing major at Bowie State University. She finds that storytelling and collaborating in the arts are where she can be most creative. Maryland-born and raised, she feels at home at BSU and even more so in the BSU Theatre community. There, she continues to learn and work to further her journey into her future career.
