By Deanna Dement Myers
‘Keeping Faith: Sisters of Story’ – Written and performed by Rohina Malik, Kim Schultz, and Susan Stone. Music and vocals by Lucia Thomas. Presented at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham on February 22-24; New Repertory Theater in Watertown on February 25-26.
“The greatest thing in the world is to do somebody a favor.”
Three women grace the stage and tell moving stories of compassion, hope and understanding. These exceptional storytellers from different branches of the Abrahamic faith traditions, are joined by a wonderful musical artist, to weave a series of stories that celebrate their separate beliefs while cultivating the commonalities we all share.
Rohina Malik, a Muslim woman, collaborated with Kim Schultz, a Christian woman, and Susan Stone, a Jewish woman, to create an artistic response to the hate and intolerance currently plaguing our society. Lucia Thomas, a gifted and versatile musician, uses violin, oud, guitar, and a newly acquired banjo, to compliment the storytellers with songs that underscore the themes and emotions in the tales. The performance is enhanced by the layering of singing, instruments and storytelling. The effect is intimate and serves to draw the listeners in.
The four strong voices blend together messages of tolerance and wisdom. Each storyteller approached personal struggles by reaching deep into their individual religions to find strength, insight, and solace. While these religions are traditionally patriarchal, we follow the footsteps of important women in the separate faiths, and learn more about the singularity of the Divine Source central to them all.
The audience is invited to stay for a question and answer session after the performance. It is a chance to process the powerful messages crafted by these talented women, and a brief chance to add our own piece towards healing the world.
‘Keeping Faith’ tickets can be purchased at www.greaterbostonstage.org
