Developing Carbon Black

Spotlight on playwright Terry Gomez for CARBON BLACKFirst up is Terry Gomez (Comanche), playwright for Carbon Black. Terry is a published and produced playwright, writer, director, actor, educator, and painter. She's directed for the Two Worlds Native Theater Festival and the Cool Side of Hell Theater Troupe, Institute of American Indian Arts and is a member of the planning committee for the Native Theater Festival at The Public Theater.

Her play, Carbon Black, is about a young boy (Carbon "Inky" Black) who's witnessed a horrific murder while sleeping on his balcony. With an agoraphobic mother to care for and a school system that's leaving him behind, Inky finds he has no one to turn to in his time of need.

Native Voices: Briefly describe your play.

Terry Gomez: Carbon Black is a story about the effects of violence on a family. In addition, even though our lives are touched and changed by violence; the media also plays a role in how the world is perceived and tries to gauge what is important and what isn't. The play examines fear and how it can control your life if you let it.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Native Plays and Other Stage Shows.