Author deals with ‘American Issues’
Written by John Dorsey | | news@toledofreepress.comLocal playwright JaJuan Turner has had a passion for theater for as long he can remember. Turner’s passions will soon take center stage at the Maumee Indoor Theater with the New Life Productions presentation of “American Issues” on Oct. 18.
The production features Joshua Bey, Roslayn Cooper, Jerrell Mayo, Tyree Troutman, Satarah Thomas, Jamal Knight, Courtney Turner, Jessica Kight, Nyasia Turner, Sheena McElgan and Turner.
The play, which Turner has described as “a nonmusical dramatic piece with comedic moments,” centers on a young couple, and tackles issues such as abortion, religious faith, choices and responsibility.
“This play looks at a number of very current issues. It was definitely something that I chose to do because this is an election year, because it has to do with the choices that we make in our lives, that we don’t have to settle but really just get out there and do something positive,” Turner said.
Turner’s life has been full of choices. A former University of Toledo theater major, Turner grew up as one of nine children in Flint, Mich., where he attended Flint Academy High School. He would later drop out and obtain his GED.
“While my mother and father are together, I would definitely say that ours was a broken home. My sister passed away from bone cancer when I was around 14, and I didn’t write for a long time,” he said. “After I left school, I went to San Francisco to pursue theater work, but ended up working so much just to get by that I wasn’t really able to do a whole lot. I came to visit some friends in Toledo and just decided to stay.”
Turner, 37, is a student at Owens Community College and was recently signed by the entertainment company S & S Management. He is currently at work on a new play, “We’re All Family.”
Tickets for “American Issues” are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Showtimes are 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
For more information, call the Maumee Indoor Theater box office at (419) 897-8902 or New Life Productions at (419) 514-0668.
