Writer

Written by The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Margarette Joyner and directed by Shanea N. Taylor, “Message From a Slave” deceptively simple in structure but delivers a powerful message. What makes it work is not just Joyner’s passionate script or Taylor’s keen direction.

There are two things that stand out about this production and make it a must-see: One is actress Pamela Archer-Shaw; the other is love.

“Message From an Ancestor” (workshopped and retitled) is a compelling story told in two voices.

The first act is a riveting tale that follows the life of Chaku from age 17 to 20. Stolen from her idyllic African village, thrown onto a ship and sold into a life of slavery, Chaku remains unbowed and unbroken.

The much shorter second act is told by Chaku’s daughter, Ayo. Where Chaku enters the stage as a buoyant teenager and leaves as a rebellious young woman, Ayo enters as a resilient older woman, widowed after 75 years of marriage. And Ayo has some things to say — some sound, if unsolicited, advice.

What remains is that Joyner has written a moving tale of love and resilience that would deliver a powerful message at any time, not just for Black History Month.  By JULINDA LEWIS Special correspondent

Staged Readings:

The National Black Theatre Festival

Pacific Northwest Multicultural Reader and Film Festival

Additional Works:

When I Kill Him Jesus Can Have Him, Co-Author - Pecan Tree Publishing, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The New South Part 1: How We Got Here, Play - Produced by University of NC, Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Restoration of Charity, Solo Performance - Produced by Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA

Succordia's Prayer, Solo Performance - Produced by Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA

What They Did For Us, Play - Produced by The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company, Richmond, VA

Sweet Chocolate and the Seven Christians, Musical - Produced by The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company, Richmond, VA

Reflections of a Black Cowboy, Play - Produced by Sycamore Rouge, Petersburg, VA

Our Word's Most Cherished Poems - World of Poetry Press, New York, NY

Steppin' Out Magazine - On Poetry, Mobile, AL

Technical Writing:

New Hire Actor Interpreter Guide - Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, VA

Academic Program Review - Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

Theatre Student Handbook - Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

Adjunct Handbook - Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA