In an overall deal with Lionsgate, Hall has included a fund for Black playwrights to receive a mentorship. Unless you have been living under a rock this past year, you have heard of Starz hit show “P-Valley” in some form or fashion. Its creator, Katori Hall, has just inked a note-worthy overall deal with producers Lionsgate Television and within that deal Black playwrights will be getting some well deserved recognition. What some of you may or may not know is that P-Valley started as a play and debuted at the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis in 2015. Throughout its journey from stage to screen, there have been some tweaks here and there until the production finally landed at Starz. It was very clear that after the first three episodes Hall had a hit on her hands and her hard work was later rewarded with a green light for season two.
As we shift into 2021 we can expect more twists and turns from the P-Valley crew and now we can expect something more from storytellers like Katori. 
“Without theatre there would be no me. In fact, there would be no “P-Valley”, That’s why I’ve partnered with Lionsgate on this initiative to help ensure that American Theatre is more inclusive and diverse when the curtain rises again.” (hollywoodreporter.com) With this new deal Katori is making sure to always reach back and pour into her community of fellow Black playwrights. I know that the mentorship will help grow Black playwrights who are currently on the cusp of giving up. Katori’s inclusion of Black playwrights with this deal confirms that she knows the struggle and feels it’s important to do something about it.
