“POWER OF PASSION” ORIGINAL STAGE PLAY DELIVERS A POSTIVE MESSAGE TO A HUGE TURNOUT
Written by Chicago Police Officer Edward J. Rollins Produced by Thought Giants NFP with an
encore performance at the DuSable Museum of African American History in
Chicago on September 11th, 2010 at 7PM!
Chicago (July 12, 2010) – On July 9th, 2010 Thought Giants NFP, playwrights and directors Edward Rollins and Kevyn Lott presented the original stage play – The Power of Passion. This urban tale depicted the epidemic that has paralyzed many major cities including Chicago which has received major media attention. Because of the huge turnout for its debut performance, there will be an encore show on Saturday September 11th, 2010 at the DuSable Museum of African American History www.dusablemuseum.org 740 East 56th Place Chicago, Illinois. The Power of Passion illustrated the youth of these environments and demonstrates how poor parental models, dysfunctional family structures, and negative social interactions directly cause self-hatred and violence. These community factors were brought to life via the character Pinky, a single parent struggling to raise her teen son (JB) and daughter (Shay) in an area of violence and despair. Pinky doesn’t comprehend initially how her attraction to abusive, unemployed, non-productive men has cultivated an environment in her home that has destroyed both her and her children’s self esteem and value. There is no drive to achieve or succeed in life, and is a direct reflection of her children’s violent, self-destructive behavior. In addition, the world of street gangs is explored and how they use different tactics like ‘hunting’, which recruits victims in vulnerable situations.
The Power of Passion is produced by Thought Giants NFP www.thoughtgiants.com and written by playwright Edward J. Rollins who also serves as director and executive producer. Fellow Chicago Police Officer Kevyn Lott is co-director on this provocative drama. Lead female character Pinky played by Famatta Leanne describes the impact the play had on the audience which included several people from the communities including the Joseph Walker grandfather of slain teenager Derrion Albert. “It is truly a blessing to be involved in such a positive production. We performed to a packed house on Friday July 9th and our message was overwhelmingly received. It is high time for parents to take back their children and heal their communities. Our production speaks to this directly. We will be back September 11, 2010 at the DuSable Museum of African American History!” The play will be at the DuSable Museum of African American History www.dusablemuseum.org 740 East 56th Place Chicago, Illinois on September 11th, 2010 starting at 7PM.
For ticket information and group sales, phone (708) 955-6495. Tickets can be purchased at www.thoughtgiants.eventbrite.com.
For more information, visit www.thoughtgiants.com Please check out further testimonials and some links of about the play including Edward Rollins on Fox Good Day Chicago and a review of the play from Chicago now Blog – Flair TV.
“The Power of Passion was the best stage play I’ve seen in years. The message was timely and the acting was superb; I’ll be back on September 11th!” —Carol Hayman, Retired Chicago Public School Teacher
“We Saw the Power of Passion & it was AWESOME!!” —Doris Russell, LPN —Verndale Sheldou, Ed.D “The entire family needs to see this play!
The “Freeze and Rewind” scenes were amazing and the message was so TRUE! Pinky and Slim were dynamic! PERFECT! —Nanette Kelley, MSN Media Links Good Day Chicago
Thought GIANTS (TGTB, INC) NFP – Thought Giants was created to bring a higher level of education and entertainment to live performances. Its mission is dedicated to delivering family oriented, educational, and social self-improvement presentations to the public. Edward J.Rollins – (Director/Executive Producer/Playwright) Edward Rollins, Executive Director of TGTB,INC, (Thought Giants) a Chicago based non-profit organization has worked in the music and film industry in different capacities for more than fifteen years. He has served on the board of various recording labels and production companies. He is the President of BMWM Productions, INC where he spearheaded the citywide youth initiative, “Put Down the Guns and Pick Up the Microphones”. From 2004-2008 over 1,000 at risk youth participated in these monthly showcases supported by the City Colleges of Chicago.
“The Power of Passion” is Rollins’ second original play. Verndale Sheldou, Ed. D and Chief Operating Officer of Living Sacrifice Ministries in Chicago have noted Rollins’ efforts as being “a true voice for the ages.” Always busy, Rollins is currently a Chicago Police Officer in the 003 District and Motivational Speaker. He serves as a youth organizer for the Rebuild the Community Foundation and works tirelessly with disadvantaged youth and families in the inner city communities of Chicago. Kevyn Lott – (Co-Director) Kevyn Lott, Co-Director of the “Power Of Passion” brings a myriad of expertise in the stage production arena to TGTB, INC. Lott is also a Chicago Police Officer in the 003 District and motivational speaker that works with the same disadvantaged populations instilling hope into lives that would be otherwise hopeless. He has worked closely with Officer Rollins serving as Executive Assistant with the Youth Initiatives of both BMWM, INC and Thought Giants.
