Anita Woodley is an American journalist, actress, playwright, literary
teaching artist, mixed-media artist, poet, producer, and free jazz
vocalist. She grew up in Oakland, California, in housing provided by
the Oakland Housing Authority. She attended Oakland Technical High
School, where she served as All-Student Body President, PTSA Student
Representative, and Youth Commissioner Co-Chair for the Mayor of
Oakland's Youth Council.Woodley has written and performed solo
theatrical works, including Bucking The Bull, Mama Juggs, and The Men
in Me. She has performed on tours throughout the United States and
abroad, notably at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, West Africa.
Themes in Woodley's work include contending with poverty; bullying;
obesity; and health issues such as breast cancer, stroke, and heart
disease. Her work has appeared at the National Black Theatre Festival
and at universities, hospitals, and faith-based communities across the
United States.In , Woodley traveled to Cameroon and reunited with the
Tikar tribe from which her mother descends. Woodley was honored by
being named Princess Bekang, or “boomerang," in the Chiefdom of the
rainforest N’ditam Tikar Village. She was the first African-American
descendant since enslavement to return to the N'ditam Tikar village
and she learned their native language. Her play Boomerang traces her
transformation as a result of her journey.Woodley is the lead vocalist
for NHC Improvisational Jazz band.
teaching artist, mixed-media artist, poet, producer, and free jazz
vocalist. She grew up in Oakland, California, in housing provided by
the Oakland Housing Authority. She attended Oakland Technical High
School, where she served as All-Student Body President, PTSA Student
Representative, and Youth Commissioner Co-Chair for the Mayor of
Oakland's Youth Council.Woodley has written and performed solo
theatrical works, including Bucking The Bull, Mama Juggs, and The Men
in Me. She has performed on tours throughout the United States and
abroad, notably at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, West Africa.
Themes in Woodley's work include contending with poverty; bullying;
obesity; and health issues such as breast cancer, stroke, and heart
disease. Her work has appeared at the National Black Theatre Festival
and at universities, hospitals, and faith-based communities across the
United States.In , Woodley traveled to Cameroon and reunited with the
Tikar tribe from which her mother descends. Woodley was honored by
being named Princess Bekang, or “boomerang," in the Chiefdom of the
rainforest N’ditam Tikar Village. She was the first African-American
descendant since enslavement to return to the N'ditam Tikar village
and she learned their native language. Her play Boomerang traces her
transformation as a result of her journey.Woodley is the lead vocalist
for NHC Improvisational Jazz band.
Share this
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
Join us for free and get valuable content delivered right through your inbox.