Odetta Wright, Producer/ Co-Writer / Actress

Odetta Wright, a native of Richmond Virginia, still resides there with her husband Anthony. She began writing and performing plays at the age of seven in her grandmother’s backyard. She has been writing and performing ever since. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix. Odetta is passionate about writing, acting and working with youth to provide them with opportunities to empower their talents and abilities.

Even while studying in those halls of academia, Odetta continued her playwriting. With over 30 plays and other literary works to her credit, Odetta feels that writing is truly one of her God given talents. Her plays have been performed in various community centers, The Empire Theatre, The Firehouse Theatre and the Carpenter Center in Richmond, Virginia. She also co-wrote a play with Eleanor Earl entitled Father Figure, which was showcased in New York City at Musical Theatreworks. It was also showcased as a Father’s Day weekend production in Richmond, Virginia. Odetta has been a featured poet at Hampton University at the invitation of Professor Eleanor Earl.

Odetta has appeared in various plays such as A Raisin in the Sun and Theatre IV’s production of Harriet Tubman. She appeared in a one-woman show entitled Old Souls that had its inaugural debut at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival in Scotland. Odetta has recently completed a play entitled, You Reap What You Sow, based on the parable of the sower in the New Testament, Book of Mark, Chapter Four.

Odetta has been chosen as the Virginia Coordinator for the International Men's Day Celebration(11-19-2010). Along with the co-founders and other coordinators around the world, she will promote positive images of men from all walks of life.

Odetta has many interests that are inspired by her writing. Her book, “Is Black Love Lost?” contains poetry and short stories that focus on varied life themes and experiences from the African-American perspective. Odetta lives by the meaning behind the acronym L.I.O.N.: Love, Inspire, Order, and Nurture. In all her pursuits, her intentions are clear: “Writing is a responsibility that must not be taken for granted. For if I choose to inspire others then I must write from the very depths of my soul.”