Reading of “Chains” – a work in progress

Chains by @moneymakermj “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” ~ Oscar Wilde Date & Time April 28, 2011 – Reading starts at 6:45pm EST Approx. 1 1/2 for reading followed by short Q&A Location Ripley Grier Studios 520 Eighth Avenue 16th Floor, Room 16U New York, NY 10018 Watch Live >> Read Synopsis >>

[ This reading is being livestreamed for educational purposes only. It is in support of the writer's semester requirements for her MFA. ]

Director

Melissa Attebery – melissaattebery.com

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Characters / Actors

Alicia Reyes Harps, Esq.: 40, Criminal lawyer whose an over-bearing, perfectionist Mother to Liliana.
Actor for Alica: Zuleyma Guevara

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Liliana Rayne Harps: 24, Burlesque dancer and student, self-reliant daughter to Alicia.
Actor for Liliana: Michelle Guadalupe

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Dr. Fernandez: 40′s, too caring Oncologist.
Actor for Doctor: James Washington

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Shawn: 30, DJ and MC, Liliana’s somewhat boyfriend.
Actor for Shawn: Bernardo Cubria – bernardocubria.com

A work in progress

Chains “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” ~ Oscar Wilde Characters Alicia Reyes Harps, Esq.: 40′s, Criminal lawyer whose an over-bearing, perfectionist Mother to Liliana. Liliana Rayne Harps: 24ish, Burlesque dancer and student, self-reliant daughter to Alicia. Dr. Fernandez: 40′s, too caring Oncologist. Shawn: 30ish, DJ and MC, Liliana’s somewhat boyfriend.

Synopsis
Some truths are like cancer, they eat away at you. Alicia Harps’ truth has faced hers every day for twenty-four years. But for twenty-four years she’s turned her back on them, burying them from herself and from her daughter, Liliana Harps.

Closing herself off, Alicia becomes a bitter, judgmental woman. She focuses on being the perfect working single Mother supporting Liliana in all her physical needs. The type that gives Liliana everything needed for survival: Alicia’s physical presence, a roof over her head, food on the table and money for expenses. Everything except what’s tightly closed away in her heart.

Lucky for Alicia, Liliana is a strong woman like her Mother. She’s has found an outlet for her frustrations and emotions in dance, specifically through burlesque. Liliana uses burlesque and music to tell her story. And as her career takes off as a burlesque dancer, opportunities present themselves for her to leave for Vegas to further her career.

When Alicia is presented with Liliana’s choice to leave home, Alicia feels that she is losing her daughter and tells Liliana about her diagnosis of breast cancer. Liliana decides to help Alicia in her fight against breast cancer, but when she is late picking up Alicia to take her to the hospital she finds out about a secret that will put her at a crossroads. One that will lead her back to Alicia and the truth she thought she wanted to know.

This story is about paternal love, acceptance and truths.