Melanye Finister is a celebrated actress and longtime company member at People’s Light Theatre, where she has captivated audiences with her powerful and nuanced performances. Known for her depth, authenticity, and commitment to storytelling, she has brought a wide range of compelling characters to life on stage. Finister shares her artistic journey, her experiences at People’s Light, and her role in the upcoming production of A Raisin in the Sun.
Debra Danese: Lena Younger is a pivotal character in American theater. How have you approached bringing her to life in this production at People’s Light?
Melanye Finister: I approach every character the same way—by going straight to the text. I try not to concern myself with past productions or preconceived notions of the role. Instead, I read the play carefully, again and again, gathering every piece of information about the character and their circumstances. From there, I let my imagination fill in the gaps. I learn the lines, immerse myself in the world of the play, and collaborate with my fellow artists to bring the character to life organically. For me, the process is always the same—rooted in the words, the circumstances, and the relationships on stage.
DD: What aspects of Lena’s personality or story resonate with you the most?
MF: Lena’s deep love for her children is something I connect with on a very personal level. I have two kids, a son and a daughter, who are stepping into adulthood with all its challenges and triumphs. Watching them navigate life, sometimes struggling, is both rewarding and difficult. There are moments when I have to hold my tongue, let them make mistakes, and be there if they ask for help. My grandmother, Mama Elise, used to say, “Sometimes experience is the best teacher.” That wisdom stays with me. Lena’s love for her children is unwavering and unconditional, and I like to think I have that same love for my own—but please, don’t test me!
Lena’s grief over losing Big Walter is also something I deeply understand. My mother passed away last June, and grief is unpredictable, complicated, and ever-present. I’ve been closely watching my father as he learns to live without his life partner of 60 years. He’s strong, full of energy, and doing well overall, but there are moments—small things—that catch him off guard and remind him of what he’s lost. That’s the thing about grief; it’s always there, just beneath the surface.
DD: You earned your equity card in an earlier production of Raisin in the Sun. Tell us about that experience.
MF: I have a long history with A Raisin in the Sun. I first played Beneatha at People’s Light in the early 1990s, in a production directed by Ceal Phelan. Ceal quite literally taught me how to deeply investigate a play and build a character. That experience was pivotal in my development as an actor.
It was during that production that I received my Actors’ Equity card. I remember the cast congratulating me toward the end of the run, and it was an incredible feeling. It felt fitting that my Equity membership began with Raisin, a play that taught me so much about storytelling and craft. Thanks to Ceal’s mentorship, I walked away with not only my Equity card but a much deeper understanding of theater-making. I worked incredibly hard, and I earned that moment.
DD: You have been a resident company member of People’s Light since 1991. What are some of the highlights of your time with the company?
I’ve been fortunate to play so many incredible roles at People’s Light—it’s hard to pick favorites! But a few stand out. Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Stephen H. Broadnax III, was a deeply meaningful experience for me. I played Faye and was honored to receive a Barrymore Award for Best Lead Performance.
Another highlight was playing Rose in August Wilson’s Fences and Kate Keller in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, both directed by Kamilah Forbes. Our production of All My Sons reimagined the Keller family as African American, which brought new depth to the classic play.
Other favorites include Member of the Wedding, Lettie, and Peter Pan, all directed by Abigail Adams—who, in fact, hired me into the company way back in 1991! Abbey has been a huge part of my growth as an artist, and I’m so grateful for her mentorship and leadership.
There is truly nothing like being part of a resident acting company. People’s Light is my artistic home—it has shaped me as an actor and a storyteller. Celebrating 50 years of this remarkable theater and bringing A Raisin in the Sun to the stage as part of that milestone is incredibly special. People’s Light is a regional treasure, and I’m honored to have been part of this company for 35 years!
[People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern PA] February 19-March 20, 2025; peopleslight.org