A native of Los Angeles, Obi Ndefo developed a passion for breaking new ground in the dramatic arts while working with the Los Angeles Theater Center, Mark Taper Forum, and the Santa Monica Playhouse Youth Programs.  He then attended the Yale School of Drama M.F.A. program where he found himself being drawn to exploring cutting edge theatrical styles and new ways of re-imagining classical texts.  As both an actor and director, he was able to practice his skills at innovative theatrical venues, such as the Yale Rep and the Williamstown Theatre Festival.  Upon returning to Los Angeles, Obi co-founded Open Door TheaterWorks at the Santa Monica Playhouse, writing and directing both new and classic works for the stage.  Much of the company’s work focused on breaking through racial barriers and the personal isolation we often feel in the modern world.  Out of this work, several new film projects were developed, including Downstream, a short film written and directed by Ndefo, starring Eric Stoltz and spoken word poet Saul Williams.  Obi was then hired to write the screenplay about KDAY, the first major rap/hip hop radio station during the birth of hip hop in America.  He simultaneously worked as an actor, appearing in such television shows as “The West Wing,” “Crossing Jordan,” “NYPD Blue,” “The District,” “Stargate,” and “Dawson’s Creek.”  Obi has recently been working with local actors and writers of all ages to develop exciting and transformative new projects.  He most recently directed Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 Days/365Plays for the Alliance Repertory Theatre and The Black Dahlia Theatre.  Currently, he is working with Center Theatre Group, mentoring and directing at Lynwood High School.

Working on “A Single Woman” was an absolute joy, and an eye opening experience.  Revisiting the important work of such revolutionary figures as Jeannette Rankin reminds us what can be accomplished with passion, perseverance, and a point of view about the world.  It is so easy in our modern world to become numb and to feel disempowered.  That is why it is so important for us to inspire one another and wake each other up.  It is always a wonderful experience to examine and bring to life the journeys of individuals such as Jeannette Rankin – those who truly allowed their voices to be heard.