A New Stage for Healing: 'Running After Shadows' Explores Trauma and Forgiveness
The world-premiere one-man show "Running After Shadows" by Vincent Terrell Durham is set to open at San Jose's City Lights Theater Company on January 24, offering a poignant exploration of trauma, identity, and the complexities of family relationships. Through the story of Morgan, an aspiring gourmet navigating the darker side of social media fame, Durham delves into themes that are both universally relatable and deeply personal.
At its core, "Running After Shadows" is a powerful coming-of-age tale that tackles the often-tangled web of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that can arise when confronting painful memories from one's past. Durham's play is born out of his own experience of grappling with the absence of his father and the complicated relationships he had with both men in his life.
The show follows Morgan as he begins to unravel the tangled threads of his troubled relationship with his stepfather, who delivers tone-deaf advice during a pivotal moment from their shared past. This moment of insight serves as a catalyst for Durham's exploration of the fraught dynamics that often occur when Black fathers and sons struggle to connect.
By examining the ways in which trauma can shape our relationships with others, particularly those closest to us, "Running After Shadows" sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of gay Black men who are navigating their identities, family histories, and the search for community. James Arthur M., the actor bringing Morgan to life, notes that despite having a supportive relationship with his father, he can still identify with the sense of isolation and disconnection that defines Morgan's character.
Through Durham's masterful storytelling, "Running After Shadows" becomes an urgent reminder that forgiveness is not always easy or immediate. Rather, it is often a process that involves confronting painful memories, acknowledging past traumas, and working towards healing and redemption.
As one of the rising stars in the next generation of gay Black playwrights, Durham offers a powerful testament to the importance of centering marginalized voices on stage. "Running After Shadows" stands as a poignant example of how art can be both a source of catharsis and a catalyst for growth – offering audiences a much-needed opportunity to confront their own experiences with empathy, understanding, and a deeper sense of connection.
When "Running After Shadows" opens at City Lights Theater Company on January 24, it will undoubtedly leave viewers moved, thought-provoked, and perhaps even transformed by the raw emotion, vulnerability, and stunning insight that Durham brings to this unforgettable production.
The world-premiere one-man show "Running After Shadows" by Vincent Terrell Durham is set to open at San Jose's City Lights Theater Company on January 24, offering a poignant exploration of trauma, identity, and the complexities of family relationships. Through the story of Morgan, an aspiring gourmet navigating the darker side of social media fame, Durham delves into themes that are both universally relatable and deeply personal.
At its core, "Running After Shadows" is a powerful coming-of-age tale that tackles the often-tangled web of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that can arise when confronting painful memories from one's past. Durham's play is born out of his own experience of grappling with the absence of his father and the complicated relationships he had with both men in his life.
The show follows Morgan as he begins to unravel the tangled threads of his troubled relationship with his stepfather, who delivers tone-deaf advice during a pivotal moment from their shared past. This moment of insight serves as a catalyst for Durham's exploration of the fraught dynamics that often occur when Black fathers and sons struggle to connect.
By examining the ways in which trauma can shape our relationships with others, particularly those closest to us, "Running After Shadows" sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of gay Black men who are navigating their identities, family histories, and the search for community. James Arthur M., the actor bringing Morgan to life, notes that despite having a supportive relationship with his father, he can still identify with the sense of isolation and disconnection that defines Morgan's character.
Through Durham's masterful storytelling, "Running After Shadows" becomes an urgent reminder that forgiveness is not always easy or immediate. Rather, it is often a process that involves confronting painful memories, acknowledging past traumas, and working towards healing and redemption.
As one of the rising stars in the next generation of gay Black playwrights, Durham offers a powerful testament to the importance of centering marginalized voices on stage. "Running After Shadows" stands as a poignant example of how art can be both a source of catharsis and a catalyst for growth – offering audiences a much-needed opportunity to confront their own experiences with empathy, understanding, and a deeper sense of connection.
When "Running After Shadows" opens at City Lights Theater Company on January 24, it will undoubtedly leave viewers moved, thought-provoked, and perhaps even transformed by the raw emotion, vulnerability, and stunning insight that Durham brings to this unforgettable production.
"Running After Shadows" sounds like such a powerful exploration of trauma and forgiveness - it's always amazing when art can tap into our collective pain and help us heal 
can't wait to see the show on jan 24th and support this talented playwright vincent terrell durham 
he's breaking down barriers in the theater scene and giving a voice to so many marginalized communities 
I just think about how 'Running After Shadows' is like a mirror held up to our collective experiences of trauma and grief... we all have shadows from our past that we're running after, trying to make sense of them, to forgive ourselves and others. It's this universal struggle that makes the show so powerful, you know? 
And what resonates with me is how forgiveness isn't always a simple thing, it's like this messy process of acknowledging the pain and working towards healing. I mean, we're all trying to find our way, to be present in our lives... but sometimes that means confronting the darkness head-on. 
. As a fan of Vincent Terrell Durham's work, I'm hyped to see how he explores themes of trauma and forgiveness in "Running After Shadows". The fact that he's drawing from his own experiences as a gay Black man navigating complicated family relationships really adds depth to the show.
. Still, if anyone can bring new perspective to the table, it's Durham – so fingers crossed he'll surprise us with something fresh! 
The fact that Vincent Terrell Durham is putting himself on the stage to share his story is truly courageous, and I think we're all going to benefit from seeing his journey played out. 
So, let's go watch this show together and maybe even spark some conversations that can lead to growth! 
. It's a testament to his skill as a writer and performer that he can take such personal experiences and turn them into something universal and relatable.
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But seriously, it sounds soooo deep. I love how the playwright is speaking to his own experiences with grief, guilt, and forgiveness - it's like he's giving us all a mirror held up to our own souls 
. And can we talk about how important it is for more marginalized voices to be center stage? 
We need more of this kinda stuff in the theatre world! 
. Can't we just have a play about a guy running after shadows for once? It's like they're trying to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but honestly I need something that just tackles the hard stuff head-on 
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I mean, it's not always easy to tackle these heavy themes, but Durham does it with such finesse.
i mean, come on, we've seen this same story played out in every other gay Black play for the past 5 years. can't we just get some originality for once? 
i'm already imagining how raw and emotional this show will be. can't wait to see james arthur m bring morgan to life! 
i need to get tix ASAP!!! 
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does anyone know if it's free to watch or something?