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WINGS OF FREEDOM
DIRECTOR'S
NOTE
For the past five years, Images Theatre Company has been
embraced by Sacramento communities, and stayed afloat in spite of not having a place to call home. Like nomads, we’ve
traveled from theater to theater, annually creating, producing, and directing socially and spiritually conscious theatrical
productions in an attempt to do more than "merely entertain." Following the vision of the "Blacks Arts Movement,"
as an organization, we have sought to engage, enlighten, educate, and uplift the consciousness of all lives that we have been
graced to touch.
At the end of 2007, we turned
a new page when we were invited to take up permanent residence at The Guild Theater in Sacramento. In a day and age, where
drug abuse runs rampant, it seemed only fitting that for our first full run at the Guild that we revise and bring back, "Wings
of Freedom," which imparts a powerful message about the destruction caused by substance abuse.
"Wings of Freedom" blends dialogue, music, song, prose, poetry, and movement
to create, capture, and provide a glimpse into the more intimate details of the lives of four addicts. The play allows us
to go beyond the surface and explore the hearts and souls of these often called, "throw away" people and gain insight
into their frailty and pain, while imploring them to move beyond the demons that have captured their souls, and reclaim their
God-given humanity and freedom.
In "Wings of
Freedom," we meet Dee Dee (LaFonda Baker), a hopeless crack addict, who carries the guilt of her mother’s
death and her friend, Raymond (Michael Turner), a heroin addict who has lost his way, and all that matters to him. There is
Jay (James Ellison), an "anything addict" who uses comedic antics to starve off his own deeply seated pain, and
Sherry (Neketia Brown), an alcoholic who drinks to forget the incestuous childhood abuse that she was made to endure. The
battle of good versus evil is symbolically reflected in the opposing characters of Sister Marie (Elaine Douglas), a recovering
addict, who is a social worker and woman of the cloth, and the local drug dealer, Damon (Derrick Miller) whose desire to make
money, clouds all other judgment. In the tradition of a Greek Chorus with soul, are vocalists Sarah Von, Quintina Watts, and
Nekia Anderson, whose sultry voices add another dimension of flavor to an already engaging drama.
Ultimately, "Wings of Freedom" is about choices and internal conflicts.
It is a reminder that individually and collectively, we each must choose daily, whether to act from a place that embraces
our lower or higher selves. It is a reminder that as humans, we are charged with not only lifting our own selves/spirits into
the light, but often, we must take the hand of the one standing next to us, who may need a little help.
It is our hope that as you, the audience journeys with us that you will reflect upon
the people in your life that may suffer from addiction and perhaps, feel more compassion, the next time you encounter them.
We encourage you to laugh, cry, and cheer on these characters as they strive to become un-enslaved and seek to soar on the
"Wings of Freedom."
As always, my work
is dedicated to the magnificent Creator from whom all blessings flow, and the people whose love and encouragement gave me the
strength to grow my own wings and soar, my beloved late husband, Derek McGriff, my mother, Mary Tarrer, and my mentor
& other mother, Minta Brown, Ph.D. I pray that their spirits will continue to journey with, and
watch over me, and may I continue to make them proud.
Lisa Lacy-McGriff
Executive & Artistic Director
Images Theater Company
May 2008
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Hallelujah City - Director's Notes
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Many times, it’s been said that life imitates art. Until
I began to write Hallelujah City, I did not know how much truth would spring from that phrase, personally, endearing it to
me.
During the winter of 2006, while en-route home from a performance of our show, "Evangelize," at
Magic Circle Theater, the title "Hallelujah City" leapt into my mind. My only thought was that the play would be
about a fantasy place called Hallelujah City. Painfully, regretfully, and unbeknownst to me at the time, on June 12, 2006,
the story line for this play would begin to take shape, as my life was devastatingly struck with unparalleled tragedy, with
the sudden loss of my husband, Derek.
Thus, Hallelujah City is in part the story of my journey, since that loss,
and the elusive healing that I am still trying to grab onto. It is also about the resiliency of humans when faced with no
choice but to go on in spite of pain and grief and the bridge that faith eventually builds to lead you to the other side.
At the beginning of the play, we meet Christian Alexander (Keith Holman), a writer who has
lost his way as the result of the recent passing of his wife, Mara (Dana Pope). As his devastation and grief engulf his life,
so does his anger and loss of faith in God, and humanity. In the midst of a suicide attempt, a divine intervention occurs
when three spirits, Isadora (Lisa Lacy), Big Red (Ifamodupe Eddington), and Annie Mae (Deborah Nelson), appear and take him
to Hallelujah City, another dimension that runs parallel to the earth, "not heaven or hell, but kind of in-between."
At the gates of Hallelujah City, Christian is paired with Big Red, a spirit
guide with a whole lot of attitude, who has no desire to "baby-sit this chump." However, she has been told by Beejee’s
(Bill Miller), the leader of Hallelujah City that she must help Christian if she is to earn her way into the City. Big Red
could care less about entering the gates of Hallelujah City but plays along to accomplish her true agenda, which is to please
Bigum (Joseph Brown), her man in life and death. As Red escorts Christian through the surrounding areas of Hallelujah City,
it becomes obvious that the journey is not just about Christian’s healing but also about Big Red’s salvation,
as well.
Charles Cooper has written perhaps, his best musical score
yet. And, Cooper fans know that for him to out-do himself is no small feat. Coupled with Wanel Thomas’ choreography,
and a talented ensemble, which includes such local celebrities as Bill Miller, Keith Holman, and Ifamodupe Eddington, and
many more, Hallelujah City will undoubtedly leave audience members dancing in the aisles.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge, and thank Bob and Rosemarie Gerould and all of the Magic
Circle Theater gang (Rick, John, Kris, Barrett & Mary Ann) for continuing to open their doors to us, and treat us like
family. Also I offer much gratitude, to Charles Cooper, my business partner, the great cast and musicians, Angela Gill, my
steady assistant, and Ceasar Davis, Images’ board member, pianist, vocal coach and all around "good guy."
I thank you all for your hard work, dedication and support, for without you, Hallelujah City would only be words on paper.
Since my husband left my side, to reside in spirit, in my heart, there
are many days that I have traveled to my own Hallelujah City to feel the nearness of his presence. And, though I cannot physically
hold him as Christian does Mara, I feel Derek cheering me on, while continuing to pour love, encouragement, and blessings
my way.
My prayer is that audience members who have experienced loss will best understand the journey, and follow
Christian into their own land of renewed faith, hope, and healing. My hope is that their loved ones will too, meet them on
the other side, in their own, Hallelujah City, and that they will reconcile with their own faith, while ever knowing that
such things as spirit and love are eternal.
For
you, Bear, Bear…All my love.
Lisa
Lacy-McGriff
October 2007
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