Dalyla Nicole, an Atlanta native and theatre-maker, is set to host a launch party for HTD & Company in partnership with South Fulton Arts this Juneteenth. This event marks the emergence of a unique one-stop creative resource hub, designed for creatives and entrepreneurs in the Atlanta community.
Raised in the world of storytelling, Nicole has honed her skills as a performer, poet, playwright, director, dramaturg, and devoted lover of stories. She attributes her understanding of community building through narratives to her background in cultural anthropology.
Nicole’s professional experiences range from work in the United States to international ventures in places like Haiti, Holland, and Australia. Yet, her work consistently finds a way back to the love of global storytelling and shared human experiences.
In addition to her role as a multidisciplinary artist, Nicole leads HTD Consulting Group and Ebony Taylor Theatre Company, while also serving on boards for organizations such as Working Title Playwrights and the Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance.
As the much-anticipated launch party approaches, Nicole expresses mixed feelings of nervousness and gratitude. “I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but I’m incredibly grateful at the end of it,” she shared. “The idea started off solo, but it’s formed such a community.”
The launch party will feature its inaugural production, Peps! Cola B-tch (PCB), a compelling exploration of heteronormativity and beverage bias. This event coincides with Juneteenth, Pride Month, and Caribbean Heritage Month, offering attendees a rich, immersive experience across multiple artistic mediums including stage performances, documentary screenings, music albums, and an interactive video game.
Nicole draws strong connections between the liberated spirit of Juneteenth and the celebratory essence of J’ouvert, a Caribbean street festival known for its vibrant festivities and rebellious atmosphere.
“We’ve had the company growing and having a grassroots initiative for the past few years, so we’re officially launching all three departments and letting folks know about a few opportunities opening up to the community,” she explained.
PCB was initially conceived during a reflective drive home after the pandemic, where Nicole recorded a voice note that later developed into a key monologue for the play. The project’s aim was to make storytelling more accessible across genres, tapping into various collaborators from Atlanta’s diverse creative landscape.
Nicole highlighted her collaboration with game developer Mia Jones, adding depth to the narrative and the community atmosphere they seek to cultivate.
This marks Nicole’s inaugural project where she explores her personal experiences at the intersection of her identity as a Black, femme-presenting, queer millennial. Influenced by playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, Nicole sought to create a narrative that articulates her unique perspective and experiences.
“I hadn’t seen a play for someone like me at those intersections, and that’s what I wanted to create,” Nicole stated.
The premise of PCB revolves around challenging heteronormative structures through the metaphor of beverage choice, where drinking Pepsi can signify a rebellion against locally accepted norms, specifically in Atlanta.
Nicole reflects on her own upbringing, stating, “Drinking Pepsi became a curse word to my family, so I was secretly drinking it.” This personal story provided a foundation for integrating complex layers of various sexualities and backgrounds within the Narrative.
The play intertwines themes of Caribbean culture, J’ouvert, และ Carnival heritage, representing the protagonist’s journey of self-acceptance amidst cultural battles. Nicole describes PCB as “very Atlanta, very Black, very Queer,” with the hope that every audience member feels a sense of belonging and recognition.
Nicole recognizes the significance of timing with the launch party being held during Juneteenth, Pride Month, and Caribbean Heritage Month. She shares her understanding of the importance of liberation, especially in a city like Atlanta, rich in Black culture.
“In a time where being a creative, entrepreneur, queer, and owning your Blackness is rebellious, it just felt like the right time to celebrate homecoming, to celebrate pride, and what it means to honor yourself,” Nicole explained.
In addition to the company’s launch, she also announces the establishment of a fully Black woman-led theater company, alongside plans for a swim school and resources aimed at supporting therapeutic artists and creative projects.
Encouraging fellow entrepreneurs and creatives, Nicole advises, “Just do it.” Her own experiences as a perfectionist drive her ambition to bring artistic projects to fruition, and she emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community support.
Attendees at the launch party can expect a multi-faceted experience, with all elements of the immersive performance available to the public. Nicole encourages participation and interaction, noting that they will also be making announcements regarding future projects.
The online video game accompanying PCB offers users the chance to engage directly with the story, further enhancing the inclusive experience.
Nicole plans to establish the Vanguard Awards, which will recognize three different vanguards each year, celebrating contributions within their communities.
She expressed her gratitude towards South Fulton Arts for their partnership, noting their commitment to supporting artists and fostering community connections through their CREATE program. Nicole also acknowledges the Academy Theater for hosting the launch party on Juneteenth, underscoring the collective efforts within the Atlanta creative community.
Dalyla Nicole’s vision for HTD & Company and its inaugural project PCB serves as a testament to the power of shared stories and community engagement, inviting audiences to partake in a celebration of identity and liberation.
image source from：theatlantavoice
