This fall, American Stage will talk about faith – both the metaphysical concept, and title character of their latest production, acts of faith. The one-woman show centers on Faith, a Zambian woman mistaken for a prophet after a strategically placed nail, some astute observations, and a corrupt priest takes notice. Faith uses her newfound power to right wrongs, and punish the wicked…all while struggling with her own religiosity.
Ultimately, It’s left to the audience to decide whether Faith actually is the prophet she claims to be.
The play was commissioned in 2020 by the Factory theatre in Toronto, Canada, and written by David Yee. This is just the second time acts of faith has been performed in the United States, and the first time it will be performed in Florida. The solo production is led by Victoria Omoregie, playing the lead role.
“The way that it’s written is so funny and so beautiful. And it’s also so thought-provoking,” says Omoregie. Hailing from the Boston suburb of Dorchester, Omoregie’s passion for acting was reignited after winning a statewide competition that won her a trip to Broadway and introductions to the original casts of The Color Purple and Hamilton. Omorgie would go on to graduate with a BA in Acting from Boston University. It was these experiences, and Omoregie’s journey with her own faith, that led her to the titular character.
“I went on an individual spiritual journey of my own,” says Omoregie, who - like Faith - was raised Catholic. “[Faith] does have all those questions, and she tries to find the answer. She’s not afraid to ask the tough questions,” she adds.
A similar sentiment is shared by longtime actor and arts educator Patrick Arthur Jackson, making his directorial debut with faith.
“The story that people expect is good and evil, but there’s an internal journey going on. As she navigates through trying to take down this priest, she finds the power inside herself that she never realized she had,” says Jacksoner spiritual turmoil as “a light going out.” Jackson’s directorial view offers a more hopeful prognosis:
“It’s really about the light being dimmed. And what does it take to reignite that light, or empower it again?”
Acts of faith runs November 21- December 17, Wednesday-Sunday.
More Information
acts of faith
by David Yee
directed by Patrick Arthur Jackson
From the African Copperbelt to the backwoods of Canada, acts of faith follows a young woman named Faith who gets mistaken for a prophet. When a revered religious leader attempts to take advantage of her plight, Faith begins using her ‘gift’ to right wrongs and punish the wicked. In this subversive and witty new play, she will face the ultimate test of her convictions in a final showdown between good and evil.