In his groundbreaking debut, The Tipping Point, author Malcom Gladwell explains that sometimes there is a single moment and/or instance when everything changes, and a new path is set forth.
The personal tipping point for Chicago-born actress AnJi White was seeing her first theatre production as a small girl. Taking like bees to honey, White would soon set on a path leading to a nearly two-decade and counting award-winning career as an actor across stage and screen.
After graduating from Chicago Academy and Queen of Peace High School, the Southside native received her training in film, television, and theatre at the N.Y. Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and Columbia College Chicago. She soon began working with several Chicago theatres, including American Theatre Co., TimeLine Theatre, Court Theatre, and Goodman Theatre, as well as Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C. White has also made a name for herself in television and film with appearances in titles such as 61st Street, Chicago Med, Empire, Fargo, The Chi, Hope Springs Eternal, and Marvel’s Ironheart to name a few.
White’s latest project is as “Mama” in the hometown premiere of fellow Chicago native York Walker’s riveting play, Covenant. Described as a “striking Southern gothic work” by the New York Times, the startling piece explores the power of belief and the thin line between rumour and truth. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the mythical and suspenseful production also stars Debo Balogun, Felicia Oduh, Jaeda LaVonne, and Ashli René Funches.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the seasoned veteran of stage and screen to learn more about her journey as an actress, her role in the buzzworthy and her secret double life outside of acting.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is AnJi White?
AnJi White: AnJi White is a woman from the Southside of Chicago with a passion for storytelling through film, television, and theatre.
What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Compassionate. Hardworking. Lover of naps.
Do you remember the first show or movie that caught your eye and made you see yourself on screen and stage?
When I was a kid, my parents took me to see a play called Proof at the Goodman Theatre, ironically. It was my first time at a live performance. I sat there, waiting eagerly until… suddenly the lights dimmed, the stage lit up, and the first person I saw take center stage was a Black woman. I was riveted! Automatically, I was leaning forward and hanging onto her every word and move. Then more Black actors joined her… moving in sync….telling a story with such confidence, grit, and projection. I was in awe. I couldn’t look away. It was the moment I knew I wanted to do that.
How did you begin your journey as an actor and into the world of theatre?
Although I grew up with a brother, I often felt like an only child. Since I also didn’t have many friends, I would entertain myself a lot. I’d watched movies over and over and began acting out entire scenes. It was just fun for me at the time, but in looking back, it was definitely the beginning of my pull towards creativity and performance. It wasn’t until high school that I began to audition and perform on stage. My senior year drama teacher took us to a college campus to audition for several schools, and that’s where the school I would start my professional training found me.
I completed my training at the N.Y Conservatory and came back home and continued training at Columbia College Chicago. I met my mentor, Catherine Slade, who invited me to a new works workshop with Regina Taylor. From there, I was invited to audition for her show at Goodman Theatre and landed the understudy role. That was my start, and since then, I’ve worked on several stage productions, which have led me to performing in Covenant at Goodman Theatre.
Please tell us a little about Covenant and your role as Mama?
The show is set in a small rural Georgia town in 1936. After a local boy who was close to the family returns home since becoming a star guitar player while away, rumors begin to swirl around town that he may have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his talent. His return turns things upside down, leading to unexpected events and major revelations for my character, Mama, and two daughters, Avery and Violet, as well as their friend, Ruthie. Mama is a very protective, strong-willed woman of God doing her best in raising her daughters and keeping them on the straight and narrow. She is a woman full of conviction with a complicated past that, unfortunately, creates a dysfunctional dynamic within her relationship with her daughters.
Do you have a preshow regime or ritual you do to prepare yourself for taking the stage?
I love to listen to music. I use it to drop me into the world of whatever story I’m telling. I also use it for vocal warm-ups. Currently, I’m warming up to a lot of Michael Jackson when I’m on my way to the theatre. I do morning workouts to warm up and strengthen my body. I’ll also run my lines in the space or dressing room.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I teach dance cardio several times a week…and my dance cardio members would be surprised to know that I am an actress!
Best piece of advice you have been given?
I remember a time period where there was a wave of actors leaving Chicago for Los Angeles, Around that time I remember talking to a fellow actress after an audition and I remember her saying the words “You don’t have to move to LA“. And I just remember thinking “Good! Cause I love where I’m from!”
What’s the best piece of advice that you can give?
Tell stories you’re truly passionate about. When it comes to theatre, it’s no joke. You are expected to perform 7- 8 shows a week and it can be exhausting. When you find yourself feeling drained and operating on 5 hours of sleep because its tech week, or having to balance it with your 9-5, you will have to come back to your “Why?” It’s cause you love telling this story every night (sometimes twice a day). You love bringing people from all different walks of life into a room and moving them to their core with every intention, every beat change, every quirky behavior you fleshed out. It’s all worth it.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
One of my favorite quotes is from Matthew 6:33 NLT:
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
What’s next for AnJi White?
I have a few projects coming up, but I’m not quite at liberty to share just yet. In this moment, I’m thoroughly enjoying every second I get to tell the amazing story of Covenant alongside my wonderful castmates. I hope as many people in Chicago can attend and experience this soul-shaking production. It is really not to be missed.
Catch AnJi White as “Mama” in Goodman Theatre’s production of Covenant, now extended until June 7th.
For more information on the show, please visit www.goodmantheatre.org/show/covenant
