Victoria Richards’s role as Treasure on the Issa Rae lead HBO Max series Rap Sh!t has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. No matter what the future holds for her, it’s bound to be amazing.
How did you end up linking with Issa Rae?
I got the audition for treasure and I honestly really thought it was a long shot but because of what my mindset was, I was like “Man working with Issa Rae; this is crazy. I’m going to just go for this!” Not that I don’t for every audition but with something like this, you take risks. It was such a rare possibility that I was going to get it, like I was really gonna show out! That is how I got the part and linked up with Issa.
Talk to us about your character Treasure.
She always ride for her team. One, she does what she needs to do to give Duke the recognition she needs around the city as far as being a provider for everybody. Two, she helps the two main girls get more exposure, business deals, club openings and clubs spots. They were doing their part with their assets, but they were not being properly compensated for what they are doing and what they bring to the table.
What type of impact do you want to leave on the audience with Treasure?
Know your worth. 100%, know your worth and don’t stay in a bad toxic situation for longer than you must. Eventually, you have to realize when you aren’t being compensated and when you aren’t being treated fairly and you have to switch things up so that you’re not constantly being treated less than your worth.
Do you feel a responsibility to the viewers to portray Treasure and her line of work in a different light or break the stigmatization of sex work?
Yes, for sure. I’m definitely firm on the belief you have to personalize and humanize the characters. Just getting to know a person outside of what they do always helps you to understand them more. You come to understand that this is a human being, this is what they do for work, and they should be paid for it, period. It’s not about a title or what they have to do for their money. It’s a job, like everybody else’s.
Have you learned anything about yourself playing this role?
Yeah, I learned a lot about Miami and the Miami culture in general. As a young Black woman, there’s a huge community for us in Miami. I’m not originally from Miami so that was really cool to learn. Sex work is a huge deal there. I also learned a lot about the entertainment industry, even understanding the setbacks as a woman in a male dominated business. That is still prevalent, but there are still people that do want to push you, help you, and see you succeed because it’s such a big community. That was really cool.
How do you feel about the feedback that you have gotten with the first season?
It was good. It was good feedback. I think a lot of people after the first episode wanted to keep watching and see how the story’s going to play out. You get to the second episode and it’s like okay I like these girls. The third episode had people not liking Chasity at first. They were like she’s a snake and I was like Chasity really does have their best interest and is doing all that she can with what she has to get these girls more exposure. It’s been really cool to see the tweets and stuff.
Who have you been the most excited to work with and who do you aspire to work with in the future?
I mean obviously Issa Rae. Especially because in-person, she’s always on set. She’s super involved with directing, giving advice, and asking me how I want to play the scene. I am really excited to work with her but then to work with her and she’s like oh my god, really good people. It was just great. Who do I aspire to work with? I’d say Jordan Peele. Just because he’s so different and creative. I would love to be a part of one of his projects.
Can we say that this is only a start to your acting career?
Yes, we sure can.
Where do you see yourself going from here?
Man, I want to get on the big screen and make a couple of classic movies. I definitely want to be a regular lead in a couple of television series. I want to tap in to the writing and directing as well later on down the line. I just continue to hone my craft. I just want to continue to build and grow.
Lis
