Atlanta Welcomes a Hit Stage Play Torn
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
By Camillia Harris.
Torn, written by Tiffany Brown & Lynnette Roberts, Executive produced by Ex- NFL player and Super Bowl champion Dorsey Levens. Torn features a cast of accomplished actors and former professional athletes who have successfully transitioned to stage performances.
Torn will hit the stage on July 14th and be shown till the 18th at the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.
Torn is a Christian drama that touches into the relationships of today. While watching the cast rehearse at Eyedrum, the reality of this play is one that many of us can relate to on a daily basis. Torn tells the story of a couple’s relationship that has hit its breaking point. With deception, various obstacles and consequences, the question still remains as to whether or not this couple will be able to mend what has already been Torn.
As I prepare for my interview with Lynnette, Tiffany and Dorsey, I am in admiration for the talent before me that is preparing for a play that is sure to hit the stage big and become a phenomenon. The actors have engaged me and are making me anxious to see the ending result. I am astounded how Torn is an illustration for the truth of so many relationships of today. The story line is about issues, choices, and consequences, the ultimate gratitude that can make or break our relationships. I look forward to seeing the great successes that are to come with this stage play. I must say, this is a well written story that is sure to attract the attention of the community. In the production, Tiffany is directing and Dorsey is the assistant director, along with stage manager Shay. Shay also stars in the play with the stage name Misha Moore. Tiffany describes Shay as having a true passion and unraveling experience in acting. She says that Shay serves as the coordinator of on and off stage managing and she is an integral part of the production team. With all the action taking place at Eyedrum during the rehearsal, I was able to pull co-writer Lynnette for majority of my inquisitive questions and snag Tiffany and Dorsey at intervals.
Here is the interview I was able to get from a few members of the team.
TRA: How well do you all know each other?
Lynnette: We met at our home church, called Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, GA.
TRA: How did Torn come about?
Lynnette: The church has an event called, “Expressions” that we host annually. We thrive for ways to display and introduce Christ in different ways, in order to attract the audience that wouldn’t normally come to church. We put on a play, Tiffany was the Drama team leader and I was over production. Dorsey was an actor in the play at the time, in which he still holds that same role currently. After such an excellent response and standing ovations, we knew this was one that needed to be brought further into the community. We wanted to bring more recognition by taking it in front of hundreds if not thousands. With Dorsey’s belief in the play and funding, we were able to make it possible. The message in Torn is so powerful and it doesn’t come as your traditional gospel play. Our hope is that Torn will come as a tool for people to understand the logic of their relationships or marriages, and knowing what it will take to make the marriage work in addition to what it takes to keep it together.
Dorsey: In February we had two shows at the church consisting of 550 people, and we sold out. It was a great feeling to see and hear the testimonials of people coming up to the different cast members and telling them how it touched their lives. It was comment after comment. From that point on, funds were needed, and it was a great opportunity for me to give towards something so awesome. I was able to come in and get behind the scenes, and learn things as I move forward, learning from Lynnette, Tiffany, and Shay.
With his pacing, and stern directives, I had to know Dorsey’s character off stage for Torn.
TRA: Who is Dorsey on set?
Dorsey: I bring to the table outside of acting, the muscle behind Tiffany’s voice. I’m real stern. I don’t like people being late. Everyone wants to be great, but you have to put in the work. Greatness is not rewarded it is earned. You have to take personal accountability. We are a team, no part is bigger than the other. Everyone has to do their part to the best of their ability. We all have to put in the work. My Job is to keep everyone focused and on the same page as we move forward.
TRA: Can you give me a basic description of Torn in your own words?
Lynnette: Torn will allow you to see that every decision has a consequence, rather good or bad. However, keeping God in the midst of all decisions, allows for better understanding. Torn will give a firsthand look of how and why it’s important to hold on.
Tiffany: This story speaks in regards to relationship that has been severed. They have allowed interferences from outside to disarrange their foundation. Torn takes you into the basics that exist in any relationship and/or marriage. Allowing you to see the real life relevant issues and those arguments are normal things that couples face.
Dorsey: It’s a Christian based play, not overly religious. We hope to bring non- believers to the church. Torn doesn’t consist of real preachy dialogue however, there is reference to scriptures from the bible in play. For the most part, it’s just real life. We have no specific target audience, it’s just for everyone.
TRA: Where was the name “Torn” derived from?
Lynnette: Basic brainstorming. And just thinking of what a lot of relationship experiences and that is “Tears”. It becomes complicated and overwhelming in a relationship when there are tears that need to be repaired. With every decision, you make that choice to tear or build upon your relationship. Whenever you have a constant flow of un-happy tears, then something is “torn” and needs repair.
TRA: Who are the main characters?
Lynnette: Brice and Dana Kelly
TRA: What can the audience expect from coming to see this play?
Lynnette: I think they will feel that it’s real. They would be able to identify or know of someone that represents the dialogue in Torn. They will walk away feeling and understanding the truth, honesty and inspiration of the characters. They will be able to relate to the characters and the experiences that may very well be personal within their homes. They are going to laugh. The ultimate goal will be achieved if they walk away with some insight on their own personal life. A lot of people don’t know what it takes to work on or even hold on to a relationship. For some that didn’t grow up in two parent households, they can be unsure of what that really means. A woman must gain the understanding of knowing her role as a wife and respecting her husband. My favorite quote in regards to a severed relationship is, “You both have been here physically, but you left a long time ago, emotionally”. We have to know that there is more to a relationship than just sexual emotions. There are recreational, spiritual, intellectual, social and physical emotions. The sooner we understand and respect those emotions in our relationships the sooner we can grow and have a better hold before walking away.
Tiffany: They can expect to get hit with real hard truth while enjoying a fun play, with faith based undertones. They will get a mixture of drama, comedy, and inspirational messages delivered in a format that is uniquely Christian drama. Torn is not your typical play. Although it is Christian based, its originality began as Christian outreach to engage and attract our non-believers, therefore the language is flattering to attract the audience no matter what your faith based stance is.
TRA: Can you say that this play is a direct relation of the reality of everyday relationships?
Lynnette: Definitely, what’s so cool about this story is that the gender perspectives and roles are what we actually say. Being written by two women, we surely scrubbed the story for reality and truth. We had to make sure that our information was as accurate as possible. We met with men and women. In meeting with the married couples, they told us about mother-in- law issues, respect issues, etc. We actually had real life stories to pull from, and we were so grateful for that.
Dorsey: Yes, being engaged and knowing married people, the reality is that there is always going to be issues in the marriage. Everyone has been in relationships, everyone has ups and downs, the question is what do you do about it and how do you hold on.
Tiffany: Yes it is. There are so many issues that relationships face in this new century. You have Facebook interference, where old friends and old lovers are reconnecting and rekindling at any given time. Technology is rapidly expanding and relationships are rapidly ending. Ryan Cameron of V-103 music station had Dorsey on the show, and he homed in on how Facebook is re-connecting past relationship and chapters that people have closed in their life, which is not good. People are starting to losing interest in their relationships instead of rebuilding.
TRA: In every beginning you must have a destination, so with that being said, what is the goal of Torn?
Lynnette: Our goal is for people to see that there is hope in your relationship when and if you make the decision to make it work. So often relationships are treated like a cactus, which requires a little sun and water to grow. With a real plant just a little wont work. You have to give it time. It may have to be replanted and it requires nurturing at every stage. That’s the same attention our relationship requires. We want people to commit to the journey of their relationships. You have to put in the work and make the decision not to go. You can’t rebuild by yourself, it takes two people.
Dorsey: The sky’s is the limit, we haven’t placed any boundaries. We will do our best and see where it takes us. (While interviewing, a lead singer in the play captures our attention, right in the midst of our conversation, her voice was beautiful). The lead singers are phenomenal. It’s not the typical gospel play, they are not singing the entire time. They sing in between each scene. As the set changes, the music begins. I must say, the singers are admirable, their vocals are an excellent collaboration, signifying the greatness in this play.
Tiffany: Our direction is going right to the big screen. This is our formula for a movie.
TRA: Do you plan to write and direct more?
Lynnette: Yes, I love writing and I feel like I am in the position to do more. We are not short on stories, just short on stories speaking to the spectrum and relations to our community. There are so many stories to be written and we want to bring them to the community. Tiffany is working on a new theatre company called Higher Calling.
Tiffany: Yes definitely. My plan is to start on other projects. I think my focus will always be geared towards relationships. It may be familial relationships, but the focus will be in that arena. I definitely want to focus on stories that are relevant and current with issues affecting our communities and relationships as a whole. They will always be faith based.
Dorsey: If the opportunity presents itself. I have surely learned from Tiff and I comfortable with the producing part of it. Directing takes experience and Tiff got 20 years of experience, 13 years more than I. The experience and grind that I have gained as an assistant, has formulated my preparation of moving forward in the direction of these roles.
TRA: Tell me about Higher Calling Theatre Company?
Tiffany: God gave me this vision about 7 years ago to create a Christian theatre company. Although there are several in the metro area, … I had the desire for a contemporary faith based play, not just a mere entertainment and faith based. You have your playwright Tyler Perry, etc. that have shows and a production company, … in respecting and realizing my surrounding of other great statures amongst the talent, my long term goal, is to have a playhouse solely dedicated to these works. I want to have a full season of shows that people can come to throughout the year, and the focus will be faith based.
TRA: Any ending comments for the audience to know:
Lynnette: Come out and enjoy and well prepared Christian based play that will surely give you a different outlook on your current relationship or relationships to come. You will definitely leave with a different outlook on what you could’ve done differently, what you can do better, and how you can repair what’s Torn.
Dorsey: We have a talented cast with great energy. This play takes you on a roller coaster. It is serious, funny, emotional with everything intertwined. There are a lot of names that people won’t recognize, but when they leave the playhouse, they won’t forget who they were.
Tiffany: This is going to be a totally different experience. Come out, take a chance on our playwright and staff members. You will enjoy the show, and I promise you will leave with a good message and a refreshing experience.
As I wrapped up my questions, and took a last glance at the cast and the great minds behind a promising play, I left saying to myself, “Show time!”, because Torn is sure to gain the recognition it needs, in addition to repairing our community as a whole. This play is revitalizing the hope that is needed in keeping relationships and marriages together.
Atlanta’s 14th Street Playhouse, July 14th –18th, Wednesday – Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 3pm and 8pm; Sunday at 3pm and 7pm.
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