La Vie D’une Femme (Based on Adriana Monet Smith) - Kendyl Chatman

Описание: The play I’m directing, La Vie D’une Femme (Based on Adriana Smith), is an original work that explores Roe v. Wade and African American maternal mortality in the U.S. I was drawn to this play because Adriana Smith’s story is one I think about often, and it’s not a story that’s usually told. Her experience represents so many women who have gone through similar struggles but were never heard. I felt connected to her story because it’s emotional, real, and still very relevant today. I wanted to bring her story to life so people can finally understand the human side of what is too often treated as a political issue.

At its core, this play is about sharing an untold story. It asks the audience to think about maternal rights, the limits placed on women’s choices, and how those restrictions affect real lives. It also highlights the racial disparities in healthcare and how dangerous pregnancy can still be for Black women in America. I think this theme matters today because it connects to so many conversations still happening about women’s rights, justice, and equality. The play reminds us that these are not just abstract debates, they’re real people’s lives and experiences.

My vision for this production is to create a world that feels raw, emotional, and honest. The set will be simple but powerful, with a “homey” yet cold feeling that reflects both warmth and struggle. Lighting and sound will shift between silence and harsh tones to show how quickly joy can become fear or loss. In rehearsal, I plan to work closely with the actors to explore vulnerability and truth, making sure every scene feels authentic and connected.

I want the audience to leave feeling moved and thoughtful. I hope they carry Adriana’s story with them and think about how it connects to the world around them. Directing this play excites me because it lets me tell a story that matters. To me, this production isn’t just a show, it’s a conversation about truth, empathy, and change. I put a lot of thought, work, and love into this show and I hope you love it as much as I have loved working on it.