Intimate Chaos- A New Play by Philadelphian Cheril N. Clarke
PHILADELPHIA Pa. Apr. 17—Cheril N. Clarke is a novelist, playwright, poet, and producer, and seems to have an uncanny insight into life’s complexities– even though she’s just 28. A Toronto native, now living in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Clarke has already written five novels, two plays and also manages her own production company, while working full time for a Philadelphia actuarial consulting firm. All in a day’s work for this indefatigable Gay, African American novelist. Clarke’s play, which has been re-worked after its debut last year, is based on her third novel called, Intimate Chaos. It explores the romantic relationship between two headstrong women and their roller coaster, emotional ride. The two main characters, Sadira, played by Tiffany Barrett and Jessie, played by Vanessa Joy, dominate the production, although Clarke gives ample time to explore the other characters’ importance to the plot.
Barrett is from Bucks County, Pa., and is a graduate of Temple University’s Theatre program. She has appeared in numerous productions including: A Lesson Before Dying; A Raisin in the Sun; Macbeth; and Sisters Speak, among others. She also has appeared in television, film and commercials. Other cast members include: Nichelle Patrice and Joale Norris who are from Philadelphia; Walter DeShields of Lansdowne, Pa.; and Vanessa Joy of Bucks County, PA.
New Hope director, Stephen M. Stahl, who recently won international acclaim for his first feature film called, Consequences, directed the original play. (Stahl has directed and/or produced more than 150 stage shows, and his production of Lady Day in London, was nominated for the Olivier Award.) Tony Slade is the director of the current production. Slade is a seasoned director and actor from Philadelphia whose most recent directorial credits include the feature film Captive.
Clarke, long known for her activism in the Gay community, is passionate about bringing to life the real stories of Gay men and women, whom she believes are too often either patronized or simply left out of main stream theatre and film.
-more-
“After the original version of Intimate Chaos opened last year, it was evident to me that people really connected with my characters, especially members of the Gay community,” said Clarke. “While everyone alive experiences love and loss, it’s particularly complicated with same sex couples. One of the reasons I’m interested in telling these kinds of stories, is to help people realize that whether they’re Gay or straight, we’re kind of all in this together.”
“It’s also important for me write about people who are usually left out of leading roles on television and in theatre,” Clarke added. “I started my own production company to provide a source of quality theatrical entertainment, and tell the stories of interesting characters along the way.” (Clarke’s fifth novel, Losing Control, will be released on June 1, and it is a political thriller set in a fictional city in New Jersey.)
“Cheril is such a rare talent, and her play is deep and at the same time funny,” said Stahl. “Audiences and critics really enjoyed the original production, and I think they will find this one even better.”
Intimate Chaos will open on May 15, 2009, at the Red Room of the Society Hill Playhouse. Other performances take place from Wednesday through Sunday at 8:00 pm, except on Sunday’s when shows begin at 2:00 pm. The play closes on May 31. Tickets are $25 for general admission, and include a free drink. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.intimatechaostheplay.com. They can also be purchased on Charge by Phone by calling, 215-923-0210.
Cheril L. Clarke is the author of five novels, the first written in 2001. She has been a keynote speaker at the African Asian Latina Lesbians United Conference, and has performed at events organized by African American Lesbians United for Social Change. Her editorial work has been published in About Magazine, About.com, Out IN Jersey magazine and her opinion columns have been featured on the National Black Coalition’s web site, among others.
Read More
De Leche is Delightful-DeWonderful @ Stir 4/25/09
De LECHE”
** WHO: AUTHENTIC, Tiffany J. Productions, Philadelphia Firebirds, and The Womyn’s Village
** WHAT: An All Girls Alternative to Philly PRIDE
– A Mixer/DANCE Party to raise funds to aid in our campaign to end Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Abuse
** HOW MUCH: $7
– Proceeds go towards our campaign to end DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE in LGBTQ relationships.
**DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: http://deleche.eventbrite.com/ **
** For More Info Contact:
kholi. 404.732.5592
simone. 717.903.5577
LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference in Philly 4/3 & 4/4
Check out The Catacombs Interview with Fatima Muhammed of the LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference happening here in Philly on 4/3 and 4/4 Click here to listen or download the interview.
Recent Articles
- Intimate Chaos- A New Play by Philadelphian Cheril N. Clarke
- De Leche is Delightful-DeWonderful @ Stir 4/25/09
- LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference in Philly 4/3 & 4/4
- Catacombs Interview- Gloria Casarez Director of LGBT Affairs for The City of Philadelphia
- Elder Speak! For Our Youth
- Smoke, Lilies & Jade! Dance for Me