Woes of Forgiveness
A Stage Play
Written & Directed by
Katana Powell
SPONSORS & VENDORS
Thank you for taking the time to explore the Woes Of Forgiveness! This production was born from a simple yet very powerful question. What does it mean to truly forgive someone?
Through the lives of these characters, we explore the realities of grief, family struggles, trauma, faith, and the difficult journey toward healing. While the circumstances may be unique, the emotions are universal. At some point in life, we have all experienced hurt, disappointment, loss, or the challenge of extending grace when it feels undeserved. My hope is that this story does more than entertain. I hope it encourages meaningful conversations, inspires reflection, and reminds each of us that healing IS possible. Even when it feels like there's no hope for it all.
This production would not be possible without the dedication of our cast, crew, volunteers, supporters, and community partners who have poured their time, talent, and hearts into bringing this vision to life. I am forever grateful for the team that has been built during the process of this journey.
Thank you for supporting! May you leave tonight encouraged, challenged, and reminded that forgiveness is not weakness, but one of the greatest acts of strength!!
With gratitude,
Katana Powell
Writer & Director of Woes of Forgiveness
|Director’s Note
Woes of Forgiveness contains mature themes that may be sensitive for some audience members, including depictions and discussions of grief, family conflict, domestic violence, loss, trauma, alcohol abuse, the use of a firearm (stage prop), and emotional distress. The production also explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and healing.
Viewer discretion is advised.
|Content Warning
Creative Team
Director
KATANA POWELL
Assistant Director
STEPHEN HARVEY
MELANIE BURWELL
Producer
KATANA POWELL
RICHARD VO
Company Stage Manager
MELANIE BURWELL
Lighting Designer
MELANIE BURWELL
BLEU DO’ZIA
Sound Designer
CARLTON POWELL
KATANA POWELL
Scenic Designer
LUCAS WEBER
Marketing Director
CARLTON POWELL
Cast
RENEE WILLIAMS
Mamma Peach
TAHIRA HENSON
Joy
MELANIE BURWELL
Addison
TIFFANY STROTHER
Taydah
BRENDAN FINLEY
Mechanic Bill/Officer
Pastor Jeffrey
MAYAAH UMOH
Ariel
JERREL HAIRSTON
Jerome
KARLA SNELL
Aniya
Production Team
Host
BLEU DO’ZIA
Production Stage Manager
ANGELA GILLIAM
Set Construction
LUCAS WEBER
Costume Construction
KAY’ANNA NESBIT
Light Board Operator
BLEU DO’ZIA
Sound Board Operator
KATANA POWELL
House Manager
RICHARD VO
STEPHEN HARVEY
SHARON PICKRELL
Just days before opening night, an unexpected venue change forced the production team to abandon a major composite set piece designed and built by Lucas Weber. Originally conceived for a large proscenium stage, the dual-purpose structure was an integral part of the show’s visual design and staging.
With the sudden loss of the original venue, however, the production faced a complete reimagining. Blocking was reworked, technical plans were revised, and the cast and crew quickly adapted to a new performance space.
Now staged in a much smaller traverse stage, the production has embraced the challenge, with performers adjusting seamlessly to the revised movement and intimate setting. While the circumstances required significant last-minute changes, the spirit of live theatre remains unchanged: “The show must go on!”.
THE INITIAL DESIGN
SPECIAL THANK YOUS
GOD
MELANIE BURWELL
BLEU DO’ZIA
ANGELA GILLIAM
STEPHEN HARVEY
TERRE JENKINS
BRENDA MONORE
TAHJA MONROE
CARLTON POWELL
AMBER SHAYEB
RICHARD VO
LUCAS WEBER
CHRIS WHITNEY
KATANA’S FAMILY