Unreconciled: A Story of Survival and Reconciliation Opens in los angeles
Table of Contents
- 1. Unreconciled: A Story of Survival and Reconciliation Opens in los angeles
- 2. A Survivor’s Journey Takes the Stage
- 3. From Chester to Belfast to Los Angeles: An Award-Winning Production
- 4. Beyond the Performance: Talk-Backs and Charitable Giving
- 5. How does the play “Unreconciled” use humor to balance its serious themes of childhood trauma and healing?
- 6. Interview: Director Ava Sterling on “Unreconciled” in Los Angeles
A powerful, award-winning play exploring trauma, forgiveness, and the courage to speak out.
By Archyde News
A Survivor’s Journey Takes the Stage
Los Angeles audiences have the prospect to witness a deeply personal and impactful story as “Unreconciled” opens this weekend, March 21st-31st, 2025, as part of Moving Arts’ Arts Expanded series. This production offers ten performances delving into themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of reconciliation.
Unreconciled is the true story of an adolescent actor cast as jesus in a school play directed by a parish priest. The story chronicles a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past, navigates a victims’ reparations program set up by the Catholic Church, and discovers the courage to use his voice. This 80-minute piece is a poignant and at times humorous exploration of family, place, and the meaning of reconciliation.
The play centers on the experiences of an individual confronting childhood trauma within the context of the Catholic Church. It explores the long-lasting impact of such experiences and the arduous path toward healing and finding one’s voice. In a society increasingly aware of the prevalence and impact of abuse, “Unreconciled” offers a timely and relevant perspective. The themes explored resonate deeply with current discussions surrounding survivor empowerment and institutional accountability.
From Chester to Belfast to Los Angeles: An Award-Winning Production
“Unreconciled” has garnered significant acclaim as its world premiere at Chester Theater Company in Chester, Massachusetts, in july 2024.Its journey has taken it to the Belfast International Arts Festival in October 2025, New York City, and soon, Bare Bones Productions in Pittsburgh, before arriving in Los Angeles. The play’s selection for the Belfast International Arts Festival speaks to its global themes and its ability to connect with audiences across cultural boundaries.
The production has already received considerable recognition, including the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association awards for Outstanding Solo Performance and Outstanding World Premiere of a Play. It was also nominated for Outstanding Production of a Play. These accolades highlight the play’s powerful storytelling and its impact on audiences and critics alike.
Beyond the Performance: Talk-Backs and Charitable Giving
Each performance of “Unreconciled” will be followed by a talk-back session, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage with the themes of the play and the creative team. These discussions offer a valuable platform for dialog and reflection, allowing audience members to delve deeper into the play’s complexities and connect with others who have been touched by similar experiences.
Furthermore, a portion of the box office receipts from the performance on Friday, March 28, will be donated to the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting entertainers affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.This act of generosity underscores the play’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting those in need. The Entertainment Community Fund has a long history of providing assistance to entertainment professionals facing hardship, and this donation will contribute to their ongoing efforts to support wildfire victims.
On Sunday,March 23rd,Steven Leigh Morris of Stage Raw moderated a panel discussion after the performance; another after-show discussion is planned for March 30th. These post-performance discussions provide enriching perspectives to theatregoers, offering insights into the deeper themes and artistic choices within “Unreconciled.”
| Event | Date | details |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Weekend | March 21-31, 2025 | Ten performances as part of Moving Arts’ Arts Expanded Series. |
| Charity Performance | March 28, 2025 | A portion of proceeds donated to the Entertainment Community Fund. |
| Post-Show Talkback | After Each Performance | Q&A session to discuss the play’s themes. |
| Moderated Discussion | March 23rd and 30th | Steven Leigh Morris from Stage Raw moderates a panel discussion. |
How does the play “Unreconciled” use humor to balance its serious themes of childhood trauma and healing?
Interview: Director Ava Sterling on “Unreconciled” in Los Angeles
archyde News: Welcome, Ava. “Unreconciled” is generating a lot of buzz, especially with its arrival in Los Angeles. can you tell us a bit about the play and what audiences can expect?
Ava Sterling: Thank you for having me. “Unreconciled” is a solo play about a survivor’s journey. It’s a story rooted in truth,exploring the impact of childhood trauma and the long road to healing,and the courage to speak out. Audiences should prepare to be moved,challenged,and perhaps even to find a sense of hope within a arduous narrative.
Archyde News: The play has already received critical acclaim, including awards. How has the journey of “Unreconciled” changed you or the team?
Ava Sterling: The response has been humbling.Seeing how the play resonates with different audiences has solidified the importance of sharing these stories. It’s been deeply moving to witness the connection the play fosters between the actor and the audience, and to see how it sparks conversations around these complex subjects.
archyde News: The play addresses sensitive themes. How important is the post-show discussion for audience members?
Ava Sterling: it’s crucial. The talk-backs are integral and offer a safe space for reflection and dialog. Thay allow audience members to process the play’s content, share their own experiences (if they choose), and engage with the creative team. It’s a way to extend the conversation and provide support.We have some incredible moderators, like Steven leigh Morris, who are providing a deep perspective.
Archyde News: A portion of the ticket sales from the March 28th performance will be donated to the Entertainment Community Fund. Why was this charity chosen?
Ava Sterling: It was important for us to give back to the community,especially the entertainment community we’re a part of. The Entertainment Community Fund supports those in need. Given the recent challenges due to the wildfires, we felt this was a meaningful way to support our fellow artists and their families, and to contribute to a vital association.
Archyde News: “Unreconciled” is described as a poignant and at times humorous exploration. How do you balance these elements in the play?
Ava Sterling: Humor is essential. Life, even at its most difficult, contains moments of levity. It’s in those moments, in the relatable experiences of family life, that we often find the deepest connections. the humour provides a counterpoint to the weightier themes, so the play never feels like wall-to-wall darkness. It’s a tool for connection.
Archyde News: Thinking about the play’s message, what do you hope audiences will take away from “Unreconciled”?
Ava Sterling: I hope audiences feel empowered. And most importantly, I hope those who have experienced similar traumas, or know someone who has, will find some measure of solace in the play. I hope the audience walks away with the idea that finding your voice truly matters. What do you think about the play’s impact on the community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
