History

Bend, Don't Break

Bend, Don’t Break is a poetic drama featuring the award winning poems of Nykieria Chaney. The play tells the story of Autumn, a young girl who is the product of a brutal sexual attack. The mother views her daughter’s presence as a constant reminder of the attack and abandons her child. Despite being born into a world that did not want her Autumn rises above life’s expectations by finding help in the most unexpected places.

Directed by Nykieria Chaney, Bend, Don’t Break features Arthur Posley, Vanessa Jones, Sylvia Butler, Brittney Sanders, and poetess, Nykieria Chaney.

Bend, Don’t Break is presented by Clouds In My Coffee Theater, the producers of the hit plays, Blaze The Mic and Juke Joint. Don’t miss this fantastic production that will encourage you to live your life and drive home the message that giving up is not an option.

Positively Infected

Positively Infected is a dramatic performance focusing on HIV/AIDS and how black women are infected and affected by this disease. The performance shows that there is no face of AIDS in the black community. Each of us is just as likely to be infected when we fail to protect ourselves. Directed by Nykieria Chaney, Positively Infected features Sylvia Butler, Kyana Brooks, Roberta Waters, & Sonya Hemphill.

Positively Infected is presented by Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS) which is a grassroots mobilization of black women in the fight against HIV and AIDS. To celebrate the first anniversary of the SOS initiative, a community call to action “SOS RALLY” will be held at The Plaza Theater, 425 Bumby Avenue, Orlando, from 11:00am–1:00pm with FREE Admission.

In Florida, one in 68 Black women is known to be living with HIV/AIDS. For over 15 years, HIV/AIDS has been the leading cause of death among black women aged 25-44 years in Florida. As a result of the conference last year, 2600 women answered the call and took the pledge. By the end of 2008, over 80,000 black women were tested for HIV/AIDS. A goal has been set to have 100,000 black women tested for HIV/AIDS each year.

Behind The Rainbow

Behind The Rainbow visits the likes of several women who find themselves in various situations that support the cliché phrase “everything that glitters isn’t gold”. Showing the audience that just because you stand in front of the rainbow doesn’t mean there isn’t drama behind it, Behind The Rainbow speaks on taboo topics in the LGBTQ Community. A positive message of respect, self worth, and motivation rings through out the play. Pushing for AIDS/HIV Awareness in our community Chaney captivates the audience in a way that allows the play to share statistics as well as instill a desire for the audience to know their own statuses..

Behind The Rainbow is presented by Orlando Black Pride and Wet Promotions, the producers of many hot parties and events through out Central Florida. Join us as Playwright & Director Nykieria Chaney, brings to stage, the hurt, dishonesty, love, attraction, & friendships that are found in our community.