The Angelwing Project Presents “Tears Of The Soul,” An Original Stage Play

“Tears of the Soul” is a powerful, dramatic presentation that will transport audiences back to 1968 during a two-day run on April 28 and 29 at Chesapeake Arts Center. It was a turbulent time in America, especially in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis, part of the Mid-South, sits on the east bank of the Mississippi. In “Tears of the Soul,” audiences will meet a family living through the unrest of the time.

The nation was at the height of the highly protested Vietnam War, which was returning black soldiers to their hometowns maimed, in boxes, or in many cases, not returning them at all. Black empowerment was on the rise with militant groups struggling to use their power to create their own destinies. Even after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a caste system still existed, especially in the south. Racism and violence were rampant in the growing urban ghettos, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the prominent leader of the Civil Rights movement and non-violent protest, met his demise on a Memphis balcony.

“Tears of the Soul” is a portrayal of a family divided. The social climate in 1968 made life difficult outside and inside of the home. Family patriarch Fred Barnes was employed as a city sanitation worker who was on strike to protest the unbelievably poor working conditions. The circumstances leading up to the strike and the strike itself presented unique challenges to Fred as he wrestled with the threat to his manhood. His dutiful wife, Vivian, struggled to keep the family from completely falling apart as divergent viewpoints make it impossible to communicate. That was until one fateful day when tragedy collided with ideologies and each family member was forced to re-evaluate their perspectives. Only by coming together was this family able to identify the true threat and free their souls from misconceptions, hatred and fear.

“Tears of the Soul” is beautifully cast to present this period piece with passion and precision. The audience will experience a time in history where the country, resistant to change, struggled to change. They will witness the visceral effects of the time on each member of the Barnes family.

The presentation will also include a “talk back” session at the conclusion of the play and will feature a distinguished guest. Cleophus Smith from Memphis is one of the original sanitation workers who participated in the strike and recalls vividly was it was like to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Mountaintop” speech and how risky it was to stand up for justice during that time. Audience members will have an opportunity to hear his story and ask questions.

Angela Wilson is the writer and director of this play. This is her third directorial work at the Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC). Wilson is the founder of the AngelWing Project Inc. (AWP), a nonprofit performing arts organization founded in 2015 to promote the development of the performing arts in the local community. AWP is the theater in residence at the CAC. “Our partnership with CAC allows us to bring meaningful shows to the stage that align with CAC’s mission to excite, educate, engage, inspire and grow this community's people,” Wilson said. “CAC is doing just that with their many offerings and AWP is extremely excited to be a part of that.”

The dynamic “Tears of the Soul” cast includes Joelle Denise, Pierre Walters, Regina Gail Malloy, Devin King, Craig Simms Jr., Leah Mallory, Michal Roxie Johnson, Robert Smith, Michael Dandridge, Faith Ore and Sharon Goldner.

SIDEBAR

WHAT

Tears of the Soul

WHERE

Chesapeake Arts Center

Studio 194

194 Hammonds Lane

Brooklyn Park

WHEN

Saturday, April 28, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Sunday, April 29, at 4:00pm

Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes

TICKETS

$25

Go to www.theangelwingproject.org/tickets.html