How Susan Kelechi Watson Juggled The Blood Quilt by Day and Good Bones by Night

It's been a fantastically full fall for Susan Kelechi Watson, who is probably best known for her SAG-winning work as Beth Pearson on NBC's This Is Us.

Earlier this season, Watson played Aisha in the New York premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames's Good Bones at Off-Broadway's Public Theater. While performing in the Saheem Ali-directed production at night, the four-time NAACP Image Award nominee was rehearsing daily for the current Lincoln Center Theater production of Katori Hall's The Blood Quilt.

Watson plays Cassan, one of four sisters who gathers at her childhood home to honor the siblings' late mother by creating a family quilt, a reunion marred by a troubling inheritance. Lileana Blain-Cruz directs the limited engagement, which is currently scheduled through December 29 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.

Watson, whose stage credits also include the Shakespeare in the Park mounting of Merry Wives as well as productions of Core Values, Eureka Day, Twelfth Night, A Raisin in The Sun, and Marley, The Story, has also been seen on screen in Will Trent, Louie, The Blacklist, Divorce, Private Practice, Law & Order, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Peter and John, and Small Moving Parts. Watson also executive-produced and starred in Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me for HBO, and in the year to come, she will be seen in Shonda Rhimes' new series The Residence on Netflix.

In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Watson shares the challenges of performing in back-to-back Off-Broadway shows and why theatre is so necessary in difficult times.

Lauren E. Banks, Susan Kelechi Watson and Mirirai in *The Blood Quilt* Julieta Cervantes

Where did you train/study?
Susan Kelechi Watson: Howard University and NYU.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Ron Van Lieu and Jim Calder. Ron laid the foundation for the actor I am today. He taught me to give all of me and not to hold back. Jim taught me how to do "it" afraid and to be courageous enough to embrace the unknown and figure it out as I go.

How did you manage, logistically and energy wise, performing in Good Bones at night while rehearsing for The Blood Quilt during the day?
It was the most tired I’ve ever been in life. But I prepared for The Blood Quilt by memorizing the script over my summer vacation, knowing that I would rehearse and perform Good Bones first. Then by the time I got to The Blood Quilt rehearsals, which was the day before we froze Good Bones, I had a strong idea of my character, and I was just reminding myself of the words. Logistically, the theatres were kind enough to make some transportation provisions when needed, but you never realize how far Lincoln Center Theater and The Public are from one another until you have to commute daily during rush hour!

I’m grateful for the support I had around me to get me through the day-to-day and constant script work. It was also incredibly important to get adequate rest and eat well. But nothing...and I mean nothing...can prepare you for the amount of energy expended. I wrapped Good Bones in the middle of tech for The Blood Quilt, and five days later we started previews. I don’t know how soon I’ll revisit back-to-back Off-Broadway shows, but I made it! And I think I’m a better artist as a result.

Tell me about the character you’re playing in The Blood Quilt. Have you based your portrayal on anyone in your own family?
I actually gave her the essence of my cousin, Dominic, who is like a brother to me. He is third born out of his four siblings and has a similar sort of calm, peace, and unf---kwithable way about him that felt right for Cassan. He can manage many different personalities well and stay pretty chill even if calm turns to chaos. I am also the second-to-last born in my family, but this character is definitely more Dom than me. It was rewarding to have family who served as my reference for building this character, especially in this play that is so deeply rooted in the familial bond.

Susan Kelechi Watson in *Good Bones* Joan Marcus

What has been most rewarding about appearing in the Off-Broadway premieres of works by James Ijames and Katori Hall in the same season?
I love being in all-Black casts telling stories that we don’t get to see often. I. Love. That. I’m so incredibly happy to be trusted with these characters and their stories. I’m grateful for this beautiful community I’m a part of and proud to represent for us.

Why do you think This Is Us struck such a chord with viewers?
This Is Us was literally just that. It was all of our stories. I have so many beautiful memories that I'll treasure forever from that show. What a blessing to be a part of.

What is the most memorable day job you ever had?
Working for my friend Janet Talbert's Christian jewelry company, On This Rock. I don’t think she realized how much she took care of me while I was a broke and struggling actor. She gave me lunch every day, paid me better than any temp job I ever had, and prayed I’d get an acting job even though I was working for her!

Pascale Armand and Susan Kelechi Watson in *Merry Wives* Joan Marcus

Tell me about a job/opportunity you really wanted but didn’t get. How did you get over that disappointment?
I’ve always wanted to play Isabella in Measure for Measure, and I was sad when I wasn’t even considered for the role years ago but was so happy for who got it that it took away some of the sadness. But one day...one day I tell you, I will play Isabella.

What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
Focus more on becoming a better artist than you do about what others think of your artistry.

In such difficult times in this country and around the world, how do you think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the community at large?
COVID taught me that in troubled times, people will always look to the stage and screen for comfort. We have to lead with love. People will be watching now more than ever.

What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
Getting here...right where I am now. It took a while. It was quite a journey filled with highs and very low lows. But I can honestly say this "right here"... this feels very good.