Angelia with ‘Blood Ties’ Cast

‘Blood Ties‘, a two-act stage play written and directed by Kenya N. Phifer-Jones, skillfully depicts the complexity of family relationships while struggling to maintain the balance between caring for loved ones and caring for self.  Three estranged siblings (played by Travis Thompson, Jonathan Caldwell and Kenya N. Phifer-Jones) have a volatile reunion following their father’s funeral service.  As the siblings navigated the emotional mine fields of past hurts, profound disappointments and life-altering betrayals, the audience was totally engrossed and fully engaged.

Witnessing the transition of each sibling from wounded and isolated to healing and reconciled initiated an array of emotions within every observer.  Although the positive resolution was a welcomed close to this dramatic display, I’m sure it will be the underlying themes that will impact audience members the most – sparking both open conversation and self-reflection for some time to come.  As the play progressed, several truths were affirmed:  Many things aren’t as they appear to be; People do what they do as they are motivated; Each one of us has weaknesses; Communication facilitates understanding; Secrets have the potential to destroy; Forgiveness brings liberation to the forgiver; Love covers a multitude of faults.

Families can be extremely complex.  Those closest to us have the ability to create the most painful wounds.  It takes courage to forge beyond the pain of yesterday’s hurts to embrace healing, but family is definitely worth it.  ‘Blood Ties’ did an excellent job of reminding us of the importance of family and the value of maintaining the familial connections.  Thank you, Kenya N. Phifer-Jones for producing such an inspiring piece and thank you cast members for rendering superb performances!