Motherless

As part of its New Playwrights Series, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to present “Motherless,” which was nominated for “Best Production” at the New York Theatre Festival this past summer. The show, with performances followed by talkbacks with the creative team, takes place Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Howard J. Millman Blackbox Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). “Motherless,” which was written by Cherise Kimoy James, is a play about grief, healing, and love. After their mother’s passing, four women take a step into vulnerability and arrive at an honest moment in their lives where it forces them to not only see their truth but also to speak it. Some for the first time. Through laughter and bright storytelling, this play is for anyone who has lost someone important to them and courageously lives on. “Motherless” features WBTT fan favorite Ariel Blue, who recently won the Best Actress award at the New York Theatre Festival, and Alicia Marie Thomas, who was also nominated for her multiple roles in the show. Blue played the roles of both 17-year-old Shaunte and 70-year-old Bernice, and Thomas played 7-year-old Brooklyn and 27-year-old Cherri, who all offer different perspectives on their experiences with grief. The play was inspired by playwright James’ own experience with the passing of her mother. The director for the Sarasota performances is Erica Sutherlin. The show’s runtime is 45 minutes. Tickets are $27 (including fees); visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.