By Patrice Wilson

Lakeetha Blakeney is a dynamic creative that uses the power of her pen and her vision of a better tomorrow to transcend societal barriers and inspire youth to be fearless.

“I am all the things,” said Blakeney, a FY22 ASC Cultural Vision Grant recipient. “I’m a director, I’m a playwright, I’m a writer, I’m a storyteller. I can do it all.”

But it was during a period when she was navigating her own uncertainty that “Princess Fearless” was born.

After graduating with theater and African American studies degrees from in 2003, Blakeney—also known as Keetha B.—started her professional career in performance art by acting, playwriting, directing and educating. However, in March 2020 fear and uncertainty stunned Blakeney as the COVID-19 pandemic upended life as she knew it. In less than 24 hours Blakeney went from having three jobs to having no job.

 “I was out of work and I was super depressed,” she said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do – what if theater didn’t come back?”

In disarray, Blakeney reached out to a confidante for direction.

“She said, ‘You are probably incubating somethings that could be an avenue for you. You are probably sitting on something,’” Blakeney remembered. “I thought, ‘I got this little mini script called ‘Princess Fearless.’’”

In December 2021, “Princess Fearless” became a book about the adventures of Louise “Lou” Miller figuring out both life at home and in fourth grade. With support from Matthews Playhouse, it’s also become a one-act play that debuts this month.  

ASC’s Culture Blocks program, funded by Mecklenburg County, is sponsoring a free community showing of “Princess Fearless” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade St., Matthews). The Town of Matthews is providing the stage and rehearsal space for free in preparation for this event.

“After almost three years of feeling like we are bracing for impact as a nation, ‘Princess Fearless’ is a voice in the darkness drawing us to the light, empowering us to overcome our fears,” said Sarah Baumgardner, executive director of Matthews Playhouse,

For 27 years and counting, Matthews Playhouse has embraced community by prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We have a strong commitment to having diverse actors, directors, instructors and students in our building,” Baumgardner said.

Blakeney has worked with Matthews Playhouse since 2015. The longevity has fostered a strong relationship.

“Matthews Playhouse is near and dear to me,” she said. “They trust me and they make space for me.”

Don’t Miss It

Matthews Playhouse will present “Princess Fearless” in the Fullwood Theatre at the Matthews Community Center (100 E. McDowell St.) from Sept. 23-Oct. 2. Tickets range from $10-$18 and can be purchased here. The original play by local playwright and author Lakeetha Blakeney is based on her book, “Princess Fearless: Walking to School and Double Dutch Dilemma,” and is recommended for children in grades 2-5.

A special free outdoor performance of “Princess Fearless” will be presented in Matthews’ Stumptown Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 (families can arrive as early as 10:30 a.m.). Seating is general admission and is first come, first served. The free outdoor performance is sponsored by ASC’s Culture Blocks program, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.