Demi’s Rise – Identity and the Burden of Power with Lindsay Smiling

What happens when a demigod’s rise threatens the gods themselves? In this episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser sit down with Lindsay Smiling, director of The Half-God of Rainfall, to explore the themes of power, identity, and myth in this epic play.

As Demi—born to Modúpẹ́ and Zeus—rises from obscurity to fame on the global basketball stage, his story becomes more than a game. It’s a battle over destiny, masculinity, and the weight of divine and human expectations.

Lindsay Smiling takes us behind the scenes of his directorial debut at The Wilma Theater. He discusses how this production brings poetry to life, how mythology shapes our modern world, and the challenges of directing a story that wrestles with patriarchy, trauma, and power themes.

We also hear from audience members who attended the show, sharing their emotional reactions to this gripping and visually stunning production.

Guest: Lindsay Smiling

Lindsay Smiling is an award-winning Philadelphia-based actor, director, and educator. He has worked with over 20 theater companies and is a Wilma Theater’s HotHouse Company member. Currently a co-artistic director at Wilma Theater, Lindsay has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of theater, focusing on bold, innovative storytelling.

A founding member of the Black Theater Alliance of Philadelphia, he has helped create space for Black artists in the region. Lindsay holds a B.A. from Illinois State University and an MFA from Temple University. The Half-God of Rainfall marks his directorial debut at The Wilma Theater, where he takes on the challenge of translating an epic poem into a powerful stage experience.

Resources & References from the Episode:

📖 Learn More About the Play & Its Themes:

• The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater – Visit here
• Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more
• The Role of Greek and Yoruba Mythology – Explore the connections

🎭 About the Wilma Theater Production:

• Meet the Cast – Read more
• Lindsay Smiling’s Wilma Theater Profile – Visit here

🎤 Music in this Episode:

• Original compositions from The Half-God of Rainfall by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots
• The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous
• Additional music from Epidemic Sound

🎟️ The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia from February 11th – March 2nd, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org for tickets and more information.

📱 Follow us on social media:
@wilmatheater

🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.