Local playwright Kevo debuted his newest play “Who Stole the Mona Lisa” for one night only at the Stafford Civic Center. Kevo described it as “an ode to art forms,” as it combined mystery and comedy.
Growing up in Houston, Kevo lived on the south side of Braeswood and Alief.
Kevo was a product of his environment. He describes doing things he saw other people doing. However, art was always a part of him as he carried a sketchbook while being in the streets of Houston.
“Art pretty much saved my life,” Kevo said.
After high school, he was in jail. There, he spent his time writing poems and books and reading about art.
After getting out of jail, he got shot. He describes this time as the first season in his life when he was not as active with art. He did not draw or write as much, but he still read a lot about art and African American history.
Taking an art history class at a private, art school, Kevo impressed the school’s dean with his writing skills.
The dean offered him a letter of recommendation to the University of Houston. Kevo went on to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts. Today, he is proud of his time at UH.
Kevo also received a Master of Fine Arts from Houston Christian University, formerly Houston Baptist University. Kevo describes his time at HCU as a learning experience. He was able to strengthen his ability in sculpting, ceramics and a variety of other art forms. This has helped him in his career to be a more diverse artist.
Despite taking a theatre class at Taylor High School, Kevo did not seriously pursue writing until his late wife encouraged him to.
She helped him develop his first play, and the pair continued to do a total of four plays together.
Now a single father, his world revolves around his kids and art. Kevo explains his oldest daughter influences his writing most. His plays are also kid-friendly.
“Being a dad and making art is basically what I do,” he said.
Kevo teaches art history, art appreciation, color theory and tattooing at Lonestar College.
“I am the only person in the world who teaches tattooing at a college level,” he said.
He is also currently renovating his studio, Kevo Arts, where he will host private bookings and art workshops. He explains art is like therapy. It helps process things and relieves stress.
He writes a variety of plays about African American history, women empowerment and forgiveness.
He uses real-life events to highlight topics most can relate to. One of his plays is about the Salem Witch Trials, conveying how people can easily judge others without knowing them.
While going through a deep depression, he wrote “Who Stole the Mona Lisa,” as a mystery drama but later changed it to a comedic drama. He attributes Leonardo Da Vinci as the greatest artist of all time. But more so, he wanted to create something to make himself and others laugh.
Check back soon for a review of the performance.
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