TAMPA, FL. (September 24, 2019) –– In the upcoming performance of Sonia Flew, Cuban exile, Sonia, is forced to relive her tumultuous childhood when her only son enlists in the military following 9/11. Sonia is part of the one story that is not often told. Thousands of unaccompanied children were sent from Cuba to Miami in the early 1960’s, as part of a U.S. government program called Operation Pedro Pan.
Pedro Pan was an agreement of cooperation between the U.S. State Department and Catholic Charities of Miami. It started after Fidel Castro rose to power, initially for children whose parents were fighting against him underground but was expanded to all Cuban families who wanted to flee out of fear for their future under the new regime. From December 1960 through the end of 1962, more than 14,000 unaccompanied children were sent by their parents from Cuba to Miami. The age range was from 4 to 16 years old.
Sonia Flew examines the impact of the strong cultural and political forces of a historic moment on the lives of ordinary people. The play explores parental sacrifice, familial responsibility, and patriotism in times when worlds collide.
Melody Craven, debuting as the Director, has been working in this industry for 38 years with many credits on her resume that include acting, directing and musical direction. In Television you can see her working alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and her first national commercial for Sunoco is airing now.
Powerstories performances of Sonia Flew includes the six-member cast of Jim Bowe, Fralia Colon, Paul Crane, Drew Eberhard, Joie Marsh, and Jessica Watzman.
Performances are from Thursdays through Saturdays beginning Thursday, October 3, 2019 thru October 20, 2019 at Powerstories Theatre located at 2105 W. Kennedy Blvd. with the Support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Wheelchair Accessible seating is available.TICKET INFORMATION:Individual Tickets now available $25, Seniors $20 and Students/Military with ID $15Order by phone: 813.253.2000 or online: www.powerstories.com____________________________________________________________________________________ General information about Powerstories Powerstories Theatre is a theatre production company with a mission of staging true stories to open minds and hearts and inspire action worldwide. The Theatre was founded in 2000 by Fran Powers after a cross country bike ride across the country. “As I crossed the Wyoming border I saw a clear picture of starting a theatre featuring true stories”. Powerstories Theatre stages true stories to open minds and hearts and to inspire action worldwide. Since 2003, Powerstories Theatre has produced 12 original autobiographical shows based on true stories by women and girls and performed for over 20,000 audience members. Storytelling of authentic experiences connects an audience to social issues on a personal level. In speaking true stories, performers and audiences alike receive a powerful gift – the validation that they are living a unique, valuable life. Powerstories Theatre’s artistic recognition includes:· National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award to Fran Powers. at the White House, 2010. · WEDU BE MORE Award, Art and Culture, 2011.· Powerstories Theatre honored in Singer Songwriter Josh Groban’s music video. http://www.joshgroban.com/news/2012-01-12/if-i-walk-away-video-premiere· Lightning Community Hero Award to Fran Powers because “her productions positively affect the lives of thousands of middle school girls and women…. providing an avenue for their voices to be heard through storytelling”, 2013. · Cultural Development Award, Arts Council of Hillsborough County, 2014.· Powerstories Original Shows to be featured by Tampa Bay Arts and Education Network every Friday in January 2015.· 2015 Winner of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough Business Plan Competition.