Join Us for a Powerful One Night Only Evening of Healing and Hope: Out of the Ashes
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on June 7th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Dover Hope Zone Theater, located at 3 N. Bradford Street, Dover, DE 19901. The Dover Hope Commission invites you to witness “Out of the Ashes,” a profoundly moving play that delves into the heart-wrenching realities of family separation due to incarceration. This event is open to the public free to attend, but please note that space is limited, so arrive early to ensure your spot. Families are encouraged to view together.
“Out of the Ashes” is not just a play—it’s a deeply personal journey that unearths the raw, unfiltered emotions of a father and son who were separated for 14 years due to a mistake that tore their lives apart. Based on the true story of Coley Harris and his son Ahmarr, this 32-minute play brings to light the immense struggles faced by families affected by the justice system. Coley reflects on his time as an absentee father, candidly sharing the challenges of life behind bars, while Ahmarr reveals the emotional turmoil of growing up with an incarcerated dad.
This powerful performance is more than just a narrative; it’s an intervention that challenges audiences to face the often overlooked trauma experienced by over 2 million children in the USA. It transforms statistics into human stories, reminding us that behind every number is a real person with a poignant tale of loss and redemption.
Why You Should Attend:
- Emotional Impact: Experience a deeply moving portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of families affected by incarceration. As Gina Amoroso, a Delaware pediatrician, noted, “I do not know if I ever fully embraced/digested what incarceration does to the children of those incarcerated. It was so important for me to hear your words… beautifully spoken and heartfelt.”
- Educational Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the personal and societal impacts of incarceration. Timmy Smith, Coordinator of the Fathers Matter Program, emphasized, “It sends a powerful message about the long-term effects of early life decisions on individuals and their families.”
- Inspiration for Change: Find motivation to rebuild broken relationships within your own family and community. As noted by various professionals and educators, the play stimulates important conversations about reconciliation and healing.
- Community Engagement: Connect with others who have faced similar challenges and feel empowered to create positive change. The performance is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and inspire collective action.
Testimonials from Across the Country:
- “You can hear a pin drop when the dads watch the film. It makes them think deeply about the impact of their incarceration on their children,” says Abdur-Rahim Ali, Imam of the Northeast Denver Islamic Center.
- “The themes of incarceration and family separation are experienced by many of our students. The drama reinforced the permission to talk about often taboo topics,” shares Catherine Dolan, Head of School at Gateway Charter.
Join us for this free, transformative event and witness the power of storytelling in healing and bringing about change. Families are encouraged to attend, and the performance will be followed by a Q&A session with Coley and Ahmarr, offering a unique opportunity to engage with their story on a deeper level.
For more information, please email info@outoftheashesllc.com or call 302-722-5758. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a movement that brings hope and healing to our community.
Event Details:
- Date: June 7
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Location: Dover Hope Zone Theater, 3 N. Bradford Street, Dover, DE 19901
- Admission: Free (space is limited)
Come, be moved, and leave inspired. Together, we can rebuild from the ashes and foster a brighter future for all.
