The Fall Out Comes to Clark Atlanta University
On Thursday and Friday, November 8th and 9th, 416 patrons came out to watch long-awaited play, “The Fall Out,” finally had its opening at Clark Atlanta University Student Center.
“The Fall Out” is a play based on HIV/AIDS and how it impacts those who contract it and their loved ones. Centrally focused on a group of College students, the production challenges our youth to think about their decisions around their sexual activities, and encourages safe sexual practices and open conversation. The up and coming talents behind the production were, Executive producer and creator Stephen Keshi, Co-producer Stacy Louis, and director Brittany Giles.
Black AIDS Institute supported the production with Greater Than AIDS collateral to help spread the message about how individuals could Be Greater Than AIDS and other STD’s and STI’s by knowing your status, having candid conversations, protecting one’s self, taking action, and spreading the message.
The play utilized a combination of performing arts such as theatre, spoken word, dance, and song,to bring this powerful message home. “I want us to move into a new age of HIV/AIDS prevention, one that is engaging and entertaining to our youth, we need to grasp the attention of the people it is affecting the most” says Stephen Keshi.
The play began with two charismatic narrators; Meghan Smith and Michael Taylor II, whose play on words made the audience simultaneously made the audience think and laugh. As throughout the course of the play, all though entertaining, the scenarios portrayed by the actors were not only thought provoking, but based on actual events that happen on the common college campus.
The musicality of the play was radiant dazzling in itself as Reva and Marian Mereba, used their unique voices and live instrumentation to entice the audience. Jacardi Jacobs provided raw sounds and fascinating story telling that allowed the audience to appreciate the message behind their words.
The chemistry of the actors captivated the audience. “Each actor being from different background brought diversity to the production” says a member of the audience. Jakel Osborne and Mike Thevinin performed a brilliant piece on HIV/AIDS that was full of emotional depth and captivating words. Brandice Brown had a compelling piece on sexuality. Browns’ character comically told her story of how she wanted to be Whitley from “A Different World” and find her Dwayne. However, there was a twist in the story; Browns’ character revealed a story about what her and her best friend did one night in the dorms after a few drinks. The actress’s storyline was inspiring; it was also a great portrayal of those in denial of their sexuality.
“The Fall Out” is a production that was stimulating, intellectual, inspiring, and thought-provoking. There will be another show set to take place at GA State University in April.