Psalmayene 24, known as Psalm to his collaborators, is arguably the most exciting theater director in the D.C. area. Over the past few years, his productions have focused on the Black experience in innovative new ways. This spring, his take on Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, which explored Greek myth and legend through the lens of Black culture with an all-Black cast, was a thrilling hit. It also acted as an announcement of a new era for the recently reopened Folger Theatre. 

When Psalm, also an acclaimed playwright and actor, shared with City Paper the fall events he’s most interested in, one similarity emerged: He continues to be drawn to artists that refuse to be pigeonholed.

What are your most anticipated events of the season?

I am wildly excited about André 3000 coming to the Kennedy Center this November to do his New Blue Sun album live. I think he is one of our generation’s most interesting, thrilling artists, and it is a rare opportunity to have him in our backyard. To have him do something other than what he’s known for—phenomenal lyrics and hip-hop—fascinates me. André 3000 performs at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. $90.85–$310. 

He’s just doing the jazz album, right?

My guess is that it won’t even sound like anything on the album, since that was also improvised. It will be a journey for him and us.

What about events relating to theater?

Arena Stage is doing a play called The Other Americans this October and November. The writer and star of the play is John Leguizamo, another artist who fascinates me because of his ability to straddle the world of theater and film. He cannot be pinned down, either, and in this he is going outside his usual form. This isn’t a solo play, a one-man show—it’s an ensemble instead. John Leguizamo’s The Other Americans opens Oct. 18 and runs through Nov. 24 at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. $59–$99.

Anything else that is not theater or music-related?

I want to mention a conversation that will happen between Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The event will happen at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and it’s free. You just have to register. 

I actually had an opportunity to meet Justice Jackson, and she was truly a down-to-earth, kind person. She was generous of spirit in a way I really appreciated, so I imagine that conversation should be really cool, especially since Elizabeth Alexander is really interesting in her own right. Simmons Talk: A Conversation With Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 at NMAAHC, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. Free.

How did you get to meet Justice Jackson? Was it related to theater?

It was, actually. I was fortunate enough to eat dinner with her at Arena Stage’s opening night reception for Tempestuous Elements, a play that I directed [earlier this year].

Any final recommendations?

Okay, so this is an evergreen thing, but in the fall I think Rock Creek Park is a great place to visit. The weather is not oppressively hot, and it’s not frigid yet. I go all year round, but this is the best time to take advantage of this jewel in our city.

Since you’re an accomplished artist, I wonder whether you go there to be inspired. Maybe you visit for photography?

I do take photos sometimes, but visiting there is more a part of my artistic practice. I walk the trails, where I can channel whatever inspiration the Gods want to bestow me.

Check out more of our 2024 Fall Arts Guide here.