Feature photo by Elsie Hernandez
By Skylar Fabien
Pure Life Theatre Company, known for producing productions across the city of Raleigh and has partnered with William Peace University to bring its performances to the Leggett Theatre on campus.
This fall, they will debut a new production titled “The Waning Hour” — a compelling theatrical experience that promises to engage, entertain, and inspire audiences. The show is scheduled to be performed from Oct.10 to Oct. 26.
“The Waning Hour” is rated as a PG-13 drama that explores love, memory, and the fleeting moments that define our lives. The protagonist is a 70-year-old woman named Lorna Bray Tucker struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Lorna’s journey, the play explores memory, identity, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of fading time. Many people can relate to this emotional storyline.
Pure Life has also performed many other musicals at this university. To mention a few: “The Three Little Birds” and “Bright Star.”
Pure Life Theatre Company is an arts organization dedicated to welcoming new artists and treating every cast member like family. Founded by Debroah Royals, Ronzell Bell, Connie Lee, Bobby Charad, and Barbette Hunter, the company has grown a diverse community where meaningful connections are made among talented artists from all backgrounds and nationalities.
“Our shows reflect our efforts to make things more diverse, to talk about issues of social concern,” says Debroah Royals, who is not only a co-founder of Pure Life but also a professor at William Peace University.
The idea first came to life when the founding members mentioned working together on a production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at North Raleigh Creative Theatre.
During that collaboration, they recognized the need for a company that could truly reflect the culture and diversity of the community it served. In the newest show, The Waning Hour, it reflects the culture of Lorna and the struggles her family has to go through.
Through powerful productions and a commitment to representation, Pure Life Theatre continues to be a driving force for socially conscious storytelling in Raleigh and beyond.
Professor Royals at William Peace has a deep connection to this show. As her mother sadly just recently passed away from dementia. She is in charge of props for the “Waning Hour” and loves all the cast dearly, like family.
Chris Acevedo is the stage manager for the show “Waning Hour” and many other shows. He also had a personal connection to the show, as his mother is also dealing with the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. “I’ve seen it first hand in terms of my sister being the caregiver, and what it’s done to her, my mom trying to remember things of the past,” stated Chris Acevedo
Deborah Royals is very proud of creating this company. She loves all of the actors and singers who come to perform at the shows
“I’m really proud of the ways in which we woven ourselves together, we’re very family oriented and I think audiences get a sense of that,’’ said Deborah.