Intimate Cruelty
With themes related to the soap opera genre, The Actor's Renaissance Theatre invites you to kick off their season with the gripping new stage play, "Intimate Cruelty." This drama, set against the backdrop of ambition and familial bonds, promises to captivate and thrill audiences with its intricate narrative, emotional depth, and unexpected twists.
Meet Carmen Sommerville (Tamiko Rhodes), an ambitious Marketing Executive and creator of Carmen Collectives. Driven to succeed against her rival Doris Randall (Stephaine Shaw), Carmen finds herself ensnared in a web of treachery spun not by strangers, but by her own family. As each layer of deception unfolds, Carmen must grapple with her ambitions and the love of those around her, including her selfish husband (Renwick Malone), and the betrayal of her sister (Chi Chi Mason), who both harbors the shame of their own personal deeds.
Meanwhile, in another storyline, Katrina Ashby (LaJuana Michelle Flagg) is carving her path as a promising editor of Urban Lens magazine. Her latest assignment promises to be a career-defining moment as she's tasked with interviewing the illustrious Carmen Sommerville. Katrina's instincts push her towards exposing the truth, yet her heart wavers at the thought of unraveling her mother's (Trina Battle) carefully concealed pain, as she must negotiate against a crafty con artist (Dabrell Thompson), who has ties with Carmen’s daughter (Mangala Jayanti).
As the story continues, we see the tale of three sisters, not bound by blood but raised in an orphanage. Ebony (Sheronica Re’ne), Cierra (Danni Lee), and Gloria (Yolanda Harper) have forged a bond stronger than any familial tie. The eldest sister, Ebony, is a dreamer whose passion for jewelry stems from her deep-rooted desire to create beauty from ashes. The youngest of the trio, Cierra, is married to Carmen’s son Leon (Mikey Christian). Cierra’s beauty and charisma make her a magnet for attention and trouble—both wanted and unwanted. In the middle stands Gloria, the quiet force that holds the sisters together, by any means necessary.
Through a series of interconnected stories and an exceptional ensemble, the audience witnesses the devastating impact of intimate cruelty on individuals and families. As the characters navigate their pain and search for healing, the play sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. "Intimate Cruelty" is a powerful and poignant examination of the complexities of love, trust, and betrayal.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2603501-0
