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{IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A pink-and-orange backdrop. It is surrounded by a white frame. In bold white next at the top left are the words ‘Dee Dee Divine (She/Her).’ Below that is a quote written in white font: “I want to see actual action, not just talk.’ To the right is a photograph of Dee Dee Divine- a Trans femme with short dark hair. She wears glasses, a grey scarf and a floral-printed top covered by a plaid jacket.}
Dee Dee Divine (She/Her) made her P&P debut in our recent virtual production of THE GOD COMMITTEE (2022.) She is an advocate and performer, currently based in Toronto.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Hello! My name is Dee Dee Divine. My pronouns are she, her, and hers. I'm a Queer, South African-Canadian, Trans-Female Actor, Playwright, Tenor, Countertenor, and Mezzo-Soprano based in Toronto.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH THE ARTS?
I was one of those kids where the spunk and sparkle was always there. The dramaticness was always there. The very first two movie musicals I did see were Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. It was after those two movies I knew without a doubt, I was simply born to do this. My very first live musical I saw was Wicked at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (now CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre) back in 2014. I was simply floored. It was an out of this world experience. That I will never forget as long as I live.
AS A QUEER ARTIST, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNED?
It's this. People will try to put you in a box. They'll try to set the parameters where they'll define what you are. Ignore them. Just be you. Be the change you want to see in this world. Never mind them. Follow your gut instincts, and keep on shinning.
HOW CAN THE ARTS COMMUNITY BETTER SUPPORT AND REPRESENT THE 2SLGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY?
First of all – A VERY HAPPY PRIDE MONTH to my fellow members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community!!! Now, as much progress as we have made, there is still a lot of work to do. All the time on casting notices, I see, "communities from minority groups are encouraged to apply." Which all sounds nice on paper. But means nothing if you keep casting the same type of look. How are you diversifying your casting room? How are you taking actual action with your casting mandates? How's production different? How's the writing room different? How's the Producing Team different? Director? Crew? Cast? That's what I want to see. I want to see actual action, not just talking about it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICAL, PLAY OR BOOK THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE 2SLGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY?
That will be Kinky Boots and The Prom, because both musicals speak about discovering the inner magic that has always been within you. That, and even in the face of hate, when we come together in numbers, with love, we can and will move mountains.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG PERFORMERS?
Be open. Go for anything and everything you possibly could fit. You never know what happens. Take every opportunity there is. Never mind typecasting. Keep pushing past what you've done. Cause that's how you grow, learn, and get better.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
Things are in the works. All I can say is I'm extremely excited of the possibilities ahead. If you'd like to stay tuned regarding any future announcements, you can always follow me on Instagram @deedeedivineofficial.
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