Photo: Kacie Rogers in Furlough’s Paradise at Geffen Playhouse. Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden. Photo by Jeff Lorch.
In a powerful and emotional conversation, Pump It Up Magazine sits down with rising star Kacie Rogers to discuss her transformative role in Furlough’s Paradise at the Geffen Playhouse. This timely production, directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and co-starring DeWanda Wise, explores themes of grief, incarceration, second chances, and the resilience of Black womanhood. As part of the Theater as a Lens for Justice initiative, the play also brings its message directly to those impacted by incarceration — a mission close to Kacie’s heart. Dive into our exclusive interview as Kacie opens up about her emotional journey, working with powerhouse talent, and the joy of telling a story that truly matters.
Pump It Up Magazine: Furlough’s Paradise tells the story of two cousins reconnecting after years apart while navigating grief, home, and second chances. What about this story spoke to you as an artist, and what do you love most about your character, Mina?
Kacie Rogers:
The deep heart and universal truths of the play are what drew me to it initially. As well as the exploration of familial love in this particular way — cousins who love each other like sisters— which is common but not often seen in media. Some works just jump off of the page at me and scream, “I HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW YOU!” — and Furlough’s Paradise definitely did that. I think I have been haunted by the theme of grief for the past couple of years and I’ve learned that it is something that connects all of us. It’s a universal human experience and we are all in varying stages of processing how to navigate it. I love work that reflects a phenomena of the human soul that is hard to put into words and Furlough’s Paradise is rich with that gift as well. What I love most about Mina is how nurturing she is. She loves deeply and gives generously — sometimes to a fault. I love her heart.
Pump It Up Magazine: The play touches on themes of incarceration and reintegration into society. How did you prepare emotionally and creatively to step into Mina’s journey?
Kacie Rogers:
Creatively, the script is the guiding light. Before I start rehearsals, I read it many times for many different reasons to continue to immerse myself in the world and see it from as many angles as possible before jumping in. My emotional prep is always self-care; spending time with God, keeping a regular workout schedule, seeing my therapist, and enjoying time with friends and love ones before jumping in. Rooting deeply into what makes me ME and what brings me JOY so that I have clear touchstones to get back to myself when approaching work that deals in trauma. That said, it’s always a challenge to step into a journey such as Mina’s. It costs something. But that’s what makes it so profoundly beautiful and such an honor to embody.
Pump It Up Magazine: Furlough’s Paradise is directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, known for her work on School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play. What has it been like collaborating with her to bring this story to life?
Kacie Rogers:
Tinashe is a truly brilliant leader. She fills the room with love from the start and lets everyone know that that’s the foundation on which we will be building. She’s strong in vision and she also empowers each artist to be JUST as strong even if their vision differs because she doesn’t fear the differences — instead she knows that the true treasure lies therein. It’s been a masterclass of collaboration, generosity, love and leadership.
Pump It Up Magazine: You share the stage with DeWanda Wise, an incredible actor known for She’s Gotta Have It and Jurassic World Dominion. How has working with her shaped your experience in this production?
Kacie Rogers:
I couldn’t imagine sharing this experience with anyone other than D. She’s such a generous, intelligent, honest artist that it’s been incredibly easy to create this bond and become family. She has added a safety to this experience for me because no matter where we go, how intense it gets, or what unexpected circumstances arise I know 100% that we have each other’s backs and nine times out of ten, D created a contingency plan for that circumstance weeks ago, haha. She’s incredibly intuitive and prepared for all things. It’s been a gift to play across from her.
Pump It Up Magazine: The Geffen Playhouse’s Theater as a Lens for Justice initiative is bringing this production to audiences impacted by incarceration. How does being part of a play with such a strong social impact resonate with you?
Kacie Rogers:
Making art with a strong social impact is important to me with all projects I am a part of. Art has a way of bridging gaps between human experiences in a way that not much else can. We see each other and feel for each other through art in a way that disarms us and paves a way for real change. I’m honored to be a part of work, such as this, that is doing exactly that. I am grateful to The Geffen for bringing this production to those impacted by incarceration because they are far too often overlooked and make up a heartbreakingly high percentage of the American population.
Pump It Up Magazine: Furlough’s Paradise features two strong female leads. Since it’s Women’s History Month, how do you think this play adds to important conversations about women, resilience, and identity?
Kacie Rogers:
This play is a masterful exploration of the challenge and the inherent joy that comes with the intersectionality of being Black and female identifying. I think it contributes important thoughts on Black women (and Black people at large) reclaiming their right to their freedom— in every single way.
Pump It Up Magazine: The entertainment industry can be demanding. What are some self-care or mental wellness practices that help you stay grounded, both as an artist and as a person?
Kacie Rogers:
Meditation, therapy, journaling, prayer, laughter with loved ones… the occasional burger and a glass of red wine. Working out. Oh! And affirmation cards. I love a good affirmation deck.
Pump It Up Magazine: Pump It Up Magazine is all about inspiring people to elevate their lives. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women who are chasing their dreams but facing setbacks?
Kacie Rogers:
Making the journey to the dream just as rewarding, if not more rewarding than the dream itself is key. I’m still learning/implementing this in my own life but “setbacks” are a part of life so I prepare for the pursuit of each new dream like I prepare for a long road trip — bringing my favorite people, snacks, games, and a lot of creativity to fill the journey. That way, I don’t feel like I’m missing or waiting on any life while working toward my goals. Honestly, some dreams might get fulfilled and pale in comparison to the excitement and delight of the journey. There’s something really comforting about that for me.
I also have to reframe my thinking on what a “setback” is because, who determines what’s a setback vs. what’s a happy accident? Keeping a catch and release perspective on the “how” it’ll happen and maintaining faith that it “WILL” happen is also key. You don’t set out on a road trip, get a flat tire, and assume you’re never going to make it to your destination, right?
Pump It Up Magazine: What do you hope audiences take away from Furlough’s Paradise? How do you think this story will stay with them long after they leave the theater?
Kacie Rogers:
There is no *one* thing I want audiences to take away. The beauty of this play is that it is so layered and the characters are facing a lot at once as we all often do in life. I have the firm belief that each experience with this play is its own unique divine appointment. I want the audience to show up to their divine appointment open to receive whatever it is that they need. If they are, I think that’s exactly what they’ll receive and I hope for nothing more.
Kacie Rogers pours her heart into Furlough’s Paradise, bringing tenderness, strength, and soul to the role of Mina. Her performance reflects the kind of vulnerability and resilience that stays with audiences long after the curtain falls.
📝 Want to learn more about the story behind this powerful production?
👉 Read our feature on Furlough’s Paradise here:
https://www.pumpitupmagazine.com/theater-lovers-furloughs-paradise-play/
📅 April 16 – May 18, 2025 | Tickets from $36
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