Entertainment

‘Wrags to Ritches’ – a play for a cause

“From Wrags to Ritches” is a story of domestic violence, prostitution, alcohol and drug abuse, child neglect and other dysfunctions that affect families all over the world.

Sharon Coleman

“You have things to do and don’t give up.”

That’s what Sharon Coleman’s mother told her before she died on Nov. 27, 2003. Two days later, Coleman – an author, actress and producer –began writing the book “From Wrags to Ritches,” a story of her mother’s life.

The stage production of the book premiered January 28 and ran through Jan. 30 at the Evergreen Theatre at 1705 Poplar Ave. It is a story of domestic violence, prostitution, alcohol and drug abuse, child neglect and other dysfunctions that affect families all over the world.

“It (the play) is a high that we will never come down off of,” said Carolyn Kent, who portrayed the character Ethan.

(Top) The stars of ‘From Wrags to Ritches’ include (l-r) Jermisha Blue, Kennadee Carlton, Chasity Casey Coleman, Justin Blue and Lakesh Watson.

(At left) Robert Watson and Lakesh Watson portray playwright Sharon Coleman’s parents.  (Photos by Shirley Jackson)

The play is associated with “Healing the Land Globally,” a non-profit group that will launch a campaign under that name in April, which is Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Month.

The performance was “Awesome! Awesome! Awesome,” said Dr. Larry Moore, president and founder of the National Council of Drug Abuse.

A question-and-answer session followed the show on Saturday (Jan. 29) night. It featured panelists Dr. Hermann Holmes, PH.D, Dr. Karen Streeter of Memphis City Schools, and Angela Jackson of WJMS, V-101.

“If you are an adult and you have reason to suspect a child is being abused physically, sexually, educationally you must report it,” said Dr. Streeter. “If you do not, you are subject to crime. Every adult has that responsibility as a citizen of the nation.”

Coleman said a week long fair would launch the “Healing the Land Globally” campaign. It will unfold on Mud Island with 280 vendors and organizations helping bring awareness to all types of abuse.

“There will be activities for all age groups,” she said. “We are also scheduled to take the play “From Wrags to Ritches” on the road throughout the year, touring 10 cities, including Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Jackson, Tenn,, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Itta Bena, Miss., Cleveland, Ohio and back to Memphis.”

(For more information, including sponsorship for “Healing the Land Globally,” contact Sharon Coleman at 901-525-1645.)