In Part Two of Theatre Talk series honoring Vivienne L. Jackson, host Bleu Do’zia sits down with Mark Harmon and Josh Riley to explore the legacy of a woman who built sanctuary long before it became a building name.

Matt Harmon, a church and choir member who knew Ms. Vivienne through First United Methodist Church, reflects on what it meant to witness her spirit in a sacred space—her presence, her encouragement, and the way she showed up for others with quiet strength and unwavering support.

Josh Riley shares what it was like to spend his teen years inside Ruth’s Tea Room, a place that became a refuge for people from all walks of life. Now recognized as a local historian of Ruth’s Tea Room, Josh also speaks about his role as a key fundraiser supporting Ms. Vivienne’s retirement and preserving her story for the community.

This episode is rooted in lived memory and living history, connecting faith, fellowship, and community care to the future of Selah Theatre Project’s permanent home: the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts, opening in 2026.

Because sanctuary is not just a place you enter.
It’s a place that holds you.
And Ms. Vivienne held a whole community.

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In this episode of Theatre Talk, host Bleu Do’zia is joined by former Winchester Mayor David Smith and former Vice Mayor John Hill for a timely and necessary conversation about history, storytelling, and civic responsibility.

The discussion centers on the commissioning of Bleu to write Ruth’s Tea Room, a theatrical work honoring one of Winchester’s most significant Black-owned businesses and community gathering spaces. More than a restaurant, Ruth’s Tea Room functioned as a place of dignity, leadership, safety, and belonging for Black residents during segregation and beyond.

This episode connects directly to Selah Theatre Project’s decision to name its future permanent home the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts after Ruth's Tea Room owner, Vivienne Jackson.

It affirms that Black history is not confined to the past, but is living, present, and foundational to the community’s future.

Guests:

• David Smith — Former Mayor of Winchester, Virginia
• John Hill — Former Vice Mayor of Winchester, Virginia

🍵 About Ruth’s Tea Room

Ruth’s Tea Room is an original theatrical work commissioned to honor the legacy of a historically significant Black-owned restaurant that served as a vital gathering place for Black community, leadership, and culture in Winchester, Virginia.

🏛 The Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts

Selah Theatre Project has named its future permanent home the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts, opening in 2026. The name honors Vivienne L. Jackson’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and community care and affirms Selah’s commitment to creating a space where Black history, Black women’s voices, and unapologetic art are centered and celebrated.

🎧 Curtain Call Question

What does it mean when a community chooses to honor Black history in permanent, visible ways—and whose stories still need space?

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We’re so glad you joined us for this episode of Theatre Talk — where art speaks unapologetically. We hope our conversation sparked new thoughts, inspired connection, and gave you a deeper look into the heartbeat of the theatre world.

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In this episode of Theatre Talk, host Bleu Do’zia sits down with Richard Hahn, the owner of the historic building that is being transformed into the future home of Selah Theatre Project. This intimate conversation traces the journey of a space once rooted in worship and fellowship into its next chapter as the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts, set to open in 2026.

This episode is not about construction timelines or blueprints alone. It’s about listening to what a place has been, deciding what it can become, and creating a sanctuary where stories, artists, and audiences can gather without apology.

🏛 About the Space

The building discussed in this episode is currently undergoing transformation into the Vivienne L. Jackson Sanctuary for the Arts, scheduled to open in 2026.

❤️ Get Involved

Support the transformation of the Sanctuary and Selah Theatre Project’s mission:

• Donate or learn more: selahtheatreproject.org
• Follow along on social media: @SelahTheatreProject
• Subscribe to Theatre Talk for more conversations where art speaks unapologetically

🎵 Music Disclaimer:
The opening and closing music for this episode is “Selah” by Forrest Frank. Selah Theatre Project, Theatre Talk, and their associates do not own the rights to this music. All rights belong to the original artist.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts — and join the conversation where Art Speaks Unapologetically.

Support the show

🎭 Thank You for Listening to Theatre Talk!

We’re so glad you joined us for this episode of Theatre Talk — where art speaks unapologetically. We hope our conversation sparked new thoughts, inspired connection, and gave you a deeper look into the heartbeat of the theatre world.

Support the show

🎭 Thank You for Listening to Theatre Talk!

We’re so glad you joined us for this episode of Theatre Talk — where art speaks unapologetically. We hope our conversation sparked new thoughts, inspired connection, and gave you a deeper look into the heartbeat of the theatre world.

🎙️ Stay Connected

✨ Join the Conversation
Be part of our creative community online — share your thoughts, suggest future topics, or tag us in your favorite theatre moments!

• Instagram: @SelahTheatreProject
  
  
• TikTok: @SelahTheatreProject
  
  
• Facebook: @SelahTheatreProject
  
  

🎧 Subscribe & Review
Never miss an episode — follow Theatre Talk on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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Your reviews help amplify bold conversations and unapologetic art. Take a moment to rate and share your thoughts — we love hearing from you!

💛 Support the Show

If you believe in what we’re doing and want to keep Theatre Talk alive and thriving:

• Become a Patron: Get exclusive content, early access, and behind-the-scenes perks.
• Share the Podcast: Tell your friends, your castmates, your theatre fam — help us grow the conversati...