Meet Bryan-keyth Wilson | Entrepreneur/ Playwright/ Producer/ Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryan-keyth Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan-Keyth, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking is at the heart of everything I do. As a playwright, entrepreneur, and creative visionary, I’ve learned that playing it safe doesn’t lead to breakthroughs—it leads to stagnation. Taking risks has shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined. From stepping into rooms where I was the only Black voice to founding businesses that push culture forward, every bold move I’ve made has been fueled by a deep belief in my purpose.

Risk, to me, is about trusting that even if I fall, I will rise. When I created Stage & Spice, it wasn’t just about opening a restaurant—it was about redefining what a dining experience could be. I combined theatre and cuisine, betting on the idea that people wanted more than just a meal; they wanted an experience. That was a risk, but it paid off because I stayed true to my vision.

Theatre itself is a risk. Every time I put pen to paper, I expose my soul. Every time I bring a new work to the stage, I take a risk in how audiences will receive it. When I wrote tha other ameriKKKa, I knew I was pushing boundaries and challenging narratives in ways that might make some uncomfortable. But that’s what art is supposed to do—it’s supposed to shake things up.

I don’t see risk as something to be feared; I see it as a necessary step toward growth. Whether it’s in my writing, my businesses, or the way I move through the world, I embrace risk because I refuse to settle for mediocrity. Every leap of faith has brought me closer to my purpose, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a love letter to Black culture, resilience, and truth, blending theatre, movement, and poetry to create transformative experiences that challenge, heal, and ignite conversation. As the award-winning playwright of FOR COLORED BOYZ on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I am committed to amplifying Black voices through works like tha other ameriKKKa, LUV NO LIMIT/ a luvrz ballad, and Who Made the Potato Salad?, each pushing boundaries and creating space for authenticity. Getting here wasn’t easy—I’ve navigated an industry that often centers whiteness, faced rejection, and been told my work was “too niche,” but I refused to shrink. With the wisdom of mentors like Dominique Morisseau and the strength of my creative tribe, I’ve learned that success comes from owning your truth and building your own table when necessary. Through Stage & Spice, Couture Cravings, and my theatrical works, I am here to shake the room, shift culture, and ensure that Black stories are not just told, but celebrated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, trust me, we’d have an unforgettable week filled with amazing food, culture, and Black excellence. Here’s how I’d curate the ultimate experience:

Day 1: Welcome to the City – Food & Vibes
Brunch at Stage & Spice – Of course, we’d kick things off with a meal at my spot, where culture meets cuisine. Think shrimp & grits, oxtail hash, and the best craft cocktails you’ve ever had.
Afternoon at a Black-Owned Art Gallery – We’d check out a local exhibit showcasing Black artists, because what’s a trip without immersing in creativity?
Dinner at a Hidden Gem Soul Food Spot – Whether it’s a legendary hole-in-the-wall or an upscale soul food experience, we’d indulge in collard greens, fried catfish, and some mac & cheese that’ll make you wanna slap somebody.

Day 2: Theatre & Live Music
A Tour of Local Theatres – As a theatre head, I’d take them to some of the most historic and up-and-coming Black theatre spaces, maybe even a rehearsal for one of my productions.
Dinner & Jazz Lounge – A smooth night of live music, cigars, and craft cocktails, where the energy is sexy and sophisticated.

Day 3: Day Party & Nightlife
Brunch & Bottomless Mimosas – Because why not?
Day Party with a Live DJ – Some rooftop or outdoor Black-owned spot with the best DJs spinning Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B.
Late-Night Speakeasy – A Black-owned cocktail lounge with curated drinks and a grown & sexy crowd.

Day 4: Culture & Creativity
A Writing/Creative Session – A coffee shop or creative space where we just bounce ideas, write, or create together.
Dinner at a Black-Owned Steakhouse – Because we deserve the finest.
Spoken Word/Open Mic Night – We’d hit up a poetry spot where the vibes are strong, the words are deep, and the energy is electric.

Day 5: Chill & Recharge
Spa Day at a Black-Owned Wellness Center – Massages, steam rooms, facials… the whole nine.
Casual Dinner & a Movie Night – Probably a dope indie film or something Black and powerful, with a post-movie debate session over dessert.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventure & Food Tour
Hiking or a Scenic Park Walk – Something to clear the mind and be one with nature.
Black-Owned Food Truck Tour – Because we need to eat ALL the good food before the trip ends.

Day 7: Brunch & Reflections
Final Brunch & Good Vibes – One last meal before sending them off, recapping all the unforgettable moments from the week.

This trip would be a perfect mix of culture, food, art, and straight-up joy. A celebration of Black excellence, good times, and memories that last a lifetime.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! No journey is ever a solo act, and I stand on the shoulders of so many incredible people who have poured into me, challenged me, and uplifted me when I needed it most. First and foremost, my shoutout goes to my mother, Shirley Ann Wilson. She was my first storyteller, my first teacher, and the one who instilled in me the importance of culture, faith, and resilience. Everything I create—whether it’s on the stage, in the kitchen, or in business—is a love letter to her and the lessons she passed down.

I also have to recognize my mentor, Meredith Lyndsey Schade. Her guidance in the theatre industry has been invaluable, helping me navigate spaces that weren’t always designed for someone like me. She pushed me to think bigger, take up space, and never dim my light for anyone. I have to give a huge shoutout to playwright Dominique Morisseau for the insight and advice she gave me on maneuvering the white world of commercial theatre. Her words weren’t just guidance; they were a roadmap for survival and success in an industry that often doesn’t make space for Black voices. She reminded me of the power of standing firm in my truth, of not compromising my artistry for the comfort of others, and of demanding the respect my work deserves.

Theatre itself has been a mentor to me. August Wilson, Ntozake Shange, and James Baldwin—these literary giants gave me permission to tell unapologetically Black stories. Their work gave me the blueprint to use my voice to disrupt, challenge, and heal.

And then there’s my tribe—my friends, collaborators, and fellow Black creatives who have supported me on this journey. Whether it’s through Stage & Spice, Couture Cravings, or my work in theatre, I have a village that believes in my vision, even when the path isn’t always clear. They remind me why I do this, and for that, I am forever grateful.

So this shoutout isn’t just for one person—it’s for every soul who has ever spoken life into my dreams, every audience member who has engaged with my work, and every artist who continues to fight for representation and truth in storytelling. We don’t do this alone, and I wouldn’t be here without my community.

Website: https://www.literaryprince.com

Instagram: @literaryprince

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