Taye Diggs Book Readings in Jamaica. By: Darryn Pollock

Recognizable from the stages of Broadway to the silver screens of Hollywood, the talented actor Taye Diggs continues to add to his repertoire of skills by stepping out into the world of writing. Diggs was spotted in Jamaica recently, giving back to the children of Kingston and Montego Bay by doing a few readings from his children’s books, “Mixed Me” and “Chocolate Me” at schools and bookstores, including Mount Alvernia Prep, St. Richard’s Primary and Fundaciones El Centro. The actor stayed

At Spanish Court in Kingston and Round Hill in Montego Bay, where we caught up with him.

JE: A lot of people will be more familiar with your on-screen roles, but you have been quoted as saying that live theatre is your favorite. Does that still ring true?

TD: Live theatre, it’s too many things, it’s terrifying, it’s rewarding. At the end of the day, it just comes down to an energy; one energy that flows through me closely related to the excitement of performing, the excitement of exchanging energy with the audience and for me, this sensation of knowing that I am doing what I love to do and hopefully, people are enjoying it. Film and TV are cool, but those two mediums don’t come close to the feeling that I have when I am participating in live theatre.

JE: You are probably best known for your musical role in Hedwig and the Angry Itch, what drew you to that role?

TD: I had never even thought about doing this show. I never thought that anybody would

even consider to be casting a black man, but I remember when I saw that show, thinking to myself, I need to find something just like this show because it was a... it was like a triathlon for actors. It was, you know, singing at your highest level, dancing-moving at your highest level and then the acting, you know, the text is so dense. So, obviously, it’s quite a challenge and when I decided to take on the role, it wasn’t my idea. I was approached and it was at the... just a perfect time in my life where I wanted to rise to the occasion and truly, truly challenge myself, truly put myself outside of my comfort zone.And this role, this character did that. It was life-changing experience, it altered the way I look at life, the way I look at theatre, the way I look at me. So, I am very, very grateful for that opportunity and I am very, very proud of myself.

JE: So you have authored two books now, what made you decide to write for children?

TD: Writing for a younger audience came natural to me in that... I mess around with poetry and rhyme and simplicity. So, my style of writing kind of lent itself to what people would consider speaking to young people. So, there was... it just happened to be a good match, for me. It just proves that I am on the right path, you know, because it came easy to me and at that time, I knew that this was something I should be doing…that the fit, it was just a great fit. And then I had Shane Evans, my cousin, him being the illustrator and helping us to get the book deals and what not. Everything just happened the way it should have and now, we are working on more books for the series and other projects that are related to just keeping people, kids in general, aware of self-esteem and self-love and, you know, caring for oneself, anti-bullying, all around, just positive love energy.

JE: Taye, this isn’t your first time to the Island, what keeps you coming back here?

TD: I always feel a sense of familial spirit; it’s great to be surrounded by so many people that look like me. At the same time, obviously, the weather is something to behold. And the people themselves, generally speaking, they just seem kind and loving and Jamaica kind of gives you the sense that you are away, but then there’s just enough familiarity that allows for comfort.