NEDHSA seeks to inspire region through “Sour Grapes” stageplay
“We believe there is medicine in creative expression, and the arts can help a person come alive in ways traditional treatment options can’t,” Dr. Sizer said.
MONROE, La. (PRWEB)
January 05, 2023
Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) and Christal Wheeler Productions are partnering to produce two showings of “Sour Grapes,” a show made up of three short stories all based on the same theme, “Generational Curses: How we deal with them and God’s grace for us.” The theatrical production is set for Saturday, January 28, with the performances starting at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the Jack Howard Theatre in Monroe. Both shows are free.
The production is part of NEDHSA’s Faith-Based initiative, which provides in-depth training in four key areas: Awareness, Readiness, Development and Sustainability. NEDHSA’s Faith-Based initiative works collectively and one-on-one with faith leaders and congregations to help develop and expand ministerial capacity so that addictive and mental health disorders can be comprehensively addressed regionally.
NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A Sizer said the agency, “intends to help make Northeast Louisiana a regional creative hub, a preferred destination that will generate much-needed regional economic development, diversity, job creation, and more.”
“We must do different things to educate, engage and inspire the public,” Dr. Sizer said. “We’re helping people in our region to understand addiction and mental health issues with this innovative prevention approach. We want them to understand that all people have value and potential. This production is designed to challenge us, sadden us, and motivate us towards collective action.”
“We believe there is medicine in creative expression, and the arts can help a person come alive in ways traditional treatment options can’t,” Dr. Sizer said. “We intend to help create an environment where dreams are realized, families are strong, bodies are healthy, community institutions are thriving, and spirits are renewed.”
NEDHSA chose Christal Wheeler’s “Sour Grapes” script because of the impact of generational curses can have on mental health and addiction disorders. Additionally, Wheeler is engaging at-risk youth and young adults in the production, allowing them to learn and develop vocational and life skills by producing a feature-length play.
She said her production studio likes to make its audiences think, “why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
“This show is an original, heartfelt, raw body of work inspired by Jeremiah 31:30,” Wheeler said. “It takes a creative spin on traditional theatre and unapologetically introduces the topic of generational curses and how we deal with them.”
Wheeler said that attendees will be “uplifted and encouraged through the three Acts as we explore the highs and lows of life.”
“Each Act shares a different story with different characters and perspectives,” Wheeler said. “Having multiple storylines increases the chances of audience members identifying with the theme and ultimately seeing themselves in some way.”
Wheeler added, “We promise a unique and uplifting experience for all who attend.”
To reserve free tickets, visit nedhsadrama2023.eventbrite.com.
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