Mother Emanuel: An American Musical Play is a documentary theater piece conceived, directed, and cho
Mother Emanuel: An American Musical Play is a documentary theater piece conceived, directed and choreographed by Rajendra Ramooon Maharaj, and written by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, Adam Mace, and Christian Lee Branch. The play explores the lives of the nine victims of the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Church during Bible Stufy on June 17, 2015. Through the sharing of testimony, flashbacks, and song, the ensemble of performers usher inthe spirits of those lost during this tragedy, putting a human face on the tragic loss. During its world debut inthe New York Fringe Festival, Mother Emanuel powerful statement stirred audiences and critics alike, earning it the award for Overall Excellence of a Musical. New Freedom Theatre is proud to be sharing this story with you in Mother Emanuel's Philadelphia premiere. Over the course of the ninety-minute show the audience gets to know the lives and personal histories behind the names they've heard listed in the media, bringing to light a whole new level of understanding of the pain of loss as well as the importance of celebrating each and every moment of our own lives.