The Central State University Fine and Performing Arts Department hosted a one-woman play starring Felicia Chappelle Oct.13, 2019. Chappelle performed “Interrupted Motherhood” in Small Robeson.
“I’ve never seen a one woman play until this one,” student Hezekiah Reid said. “I’ve never been this amazed at a play to be honest.”
Interrupted Motherhood tells the story of Vanessa, a single mother dealing with divorce, aging parents, and the dangers of loving too hard. Chappelle said that the semi-autobiographical play takes audience members on a “journey of emotional healing.”
Chappelle wrote the Interrupted Motherhood, which William Walker directed. “Felicia has this dynamic force and strong theatrical intuition. She just needed someone to pull it out of her,” Walker said.
Chappelle said that revising the play was a challenge. She worked hard to make sure the audience would stay with her throughout the play. She struggled to determine what needed to be told and what didn’t need to be told. “Things that take away from the structure of the story let go of the creation,” Chappelle said.
Performing a one-person play requires a lot of energy and confidence. Chappelle admits that she gets nervous and nauseated before a performance. “Preparation is the best weapon against stage fright,” Chappelle said. Walker said that Chappelle worked hard to overcome her fears. “Felicia let me direct her, and she is very teachable,” he said.
Interrupted Motherhood is on its way to Atlanta and Miami. Chappelle and Walker are very excited to see where else this plays goes.