I spent a few minutes with the cast and crew of “The Wire: A Stage Play” recently. We chatted about the play and what the original show means to them.

Q: So talk a little about where you’re from, your background, etc

Monique Banks, Director: I’m from Baltimore, Md. 
The Wire has always been one of my favorite tv dramas. It was based on and filmed in the city that I was born in. It was a show that everyone could relate to through the story’s realistic depiction of the typical struggles in a major inner city: the failed school system, corrupt politicians, the drug epidemic that’s taking the lives of so many.

Baltimore has reached an all time high in the number of murders in the past 7 months. The greatest contributing factor is the drug epidemic, gangs, and turf wars. The stage play sends a powerful message to audience members that we all have to be accountable in taking back our communities.  We have to provide safe havens for our children to grow up in, we have to educate ourselves to provide a better life for ourselves and loved ones. We have to fight to create jobs for those who have felonies on their record so that they aren’t compelled to sell drugs.

We have to create better relationships with the police department, we have to stand as a united front to make our city a better place to live, work, and raise families.

Q: What was the most difficult part of putting this together?

Limited rehearsal space, dates, and times, finding actors who were dedicated 100% to the production

Q: What has it been like taking on the role of Avon Barksdale?