The Ancestors Live Here is an intricately woven urban drama. Johnny, a black youth, is determined to become a statistic. Johnny’s grandmother and his aunt should be the most influential people in his life. However, he cannot come to grips with his family’s strange ways, a family whose greatest desire is to reconnect with their Ghanaian roots. Unfortunately, Johnny is most influenced by his friends. Therefore, he puts himself into the situation of having to make a life altering decision. Will he use his talents to propel him into a successful future or will he use his intellectual prowess to choose the ways of the streets?
BLACK CELEBRITIES DISCOVER THEIR AFRICAN ROOTS DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
THE PLAY THE ANCESTORS LIVE HERE WRITTEN BY SHAHARA RUTH DEMONSTRATES TO BLACK YOUTH HOW NOT KNOWING WHERE THEY COME FROM CAN IMPACT THEIR FUTURES.
Shahara Ruth, Atlantan, Playwright and founder of Goldfire Productions presents her most recent and highly anticipated theatrical work “The Ancestors Live Here” during Black History Month on February 13th, 2010 at the 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th Street, Atlanta, Ga. The Ancestors Live Here is being performed in part to raise funds in support of The Neighborhood Gallery Arts Center, a safe haven in Atlanta for local fine artists and a positive, enriching, and affordable cultural and educational opportunity for members of the community. Show times for the “Ancestors Live Here” are at 1pm and 8pm. Tickets prices range from $15.00-$30.00. Military, Senior, and Student discounts available.
http://www.woodruffcentertickets.org/center/ticket/production_detail.aspx?perf=31053.
Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Dennis "Spyda" Chism
Character Breakdown
Write up
Shahara Ruth Photo
Comments About Shahara's Work!
About the Ancestors Live Here:
"Your work seems so real!" Beatrice, Newton, Georgia
"I can relate to this story as a man growing up!"
Jermaine, Ellenwood, Georgia
"Wow, I couldn't believe how real it was!"
Sheena, Atlanta, Georgia
"You deserve success because your plays entertain and make you think!"
Tuwanda, Stone Mountain, Georgia
"When are you doing this one again? I intend to be there."
Anonymous, Stone Mountain, Georgia
“Sis. Shahara, in her poetic creation has exemplified high ideas of love, passion, righteousness, and electricity. She is the genie of poetry and a true wordsmith. I adore your work sister.” Ti-ye Muhammad, Author
She tells her truth – a truth not afraid of offending an audience of any hue. This poet – woman – artist calls her readers to “feeling” with her. Her revolutionary spirit carries a message to care now, about injustice, harm to the children, and life in a world where the threat is too often “Silence the opposition”. Frances Jo Grossman, Ph.D. University College Oglethorpe University
I'm Monita Jenkins, a student at Alabama State University, and I received a copy of "From the Poet to the People" unexpectedly. Once I got into it, I couldn't stop! Ruth's unabashed, bold messages are nothing short of the truth. She keeps it real about government, womanhood, and identity. She keeps it real about blackness, and she doesn't sugar-coat it. I definitely appreciate what she's saying, and if the truth doesn't hurt too much, many others will too. I look forward to hearing more from Shahara Ruth, the truth.
"From the Poet to the People" is a must read. I really enjoyed reading this book of poems. Some of the poems gave me an opportunity to think deeply, while others gave me an opportunity to laugh out loud. "Black" and "Yo Mamma" are two of my favorite poems in the book. "Cooking for Junior" is hilarious. This book of poetry is a reflection of Ms. Ruth's superb linguistic skills, her strong social consciousness, and her determination to communicate the "Truth" to the People. -Evelyn McCoy