FORT LAUDERDALE — Demons, deceit, a family in peril — and God? Can a stage play about the power and beauty of Christian salvation prove compelling to secular audiences? On Dec. 4, Beyond Dramatic Productions aims to prove that it can be with its first theatrical production, The Aftermath.
Written, directed by and starring local author and activist Lakisha Sanders, The Aftermath tells the story of the Taylor family, a once happy and healthy clan now faced with imminent dissolution in the wake of tragedy. In the chaos left in that tragedy's wake, demonic forces threaten to rip their tenuous union apart.
The play features original gospel-style musical numbers composed by Sanders, who notes there is a popular misconception that Christian music and media are hokey and preachy — a misconception she says the production aims to refute with realistic, compelling characters, razor-sharp dialogue and unflinching depiction of a crumbling Christian family.
Sanders, a Georgia native and a Fort Lauderdale resident with nearly a decade of high school teaching experience, pulls quadruple duty as the playwright, director, composer and star of the production. She's a motivational speaker specializing in empowering people who have experienced tragedy and loss by leading them to the philosophical truths present within the words of Jesus Christ.
Sanders’ book The Secret's Out: It's Time to Break Ground, was released in 2010, and it's message of power and salvation in the face of adversity became the foundation upon which The Aftermath was eventually built.
The Aftermath also stars Richard Gallion, a Chicago actor and model whose previous work includes roles in John Ruffin's All My Single Ladies, and Christopher Nolen's upcoming film, The Good Life.
From South Florida the play moves to Atlanta, Ga., Nashville, Tn. and Chicago, Ill., March 8-18.
ON THE NET
aftermathproduction.com
beyonddramaticproductions
IF YOU GO
What: The Aftermath opens with a limited, one-night-only engagement
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, 7:00 p.m. sharp
Where: Joseph Caleb Auditorium, 5400 NW 22nd Ave., Miami
Cost: Tickets are $36, available at Ticketmaster
Photo: COURTESY OF BEYOND DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS
‘LOST SOUL’: Tyra Knight portrays that character In The Aftermath, which debuts Dec. 4 at the Caleb Center.
No Comment