CAMDEN, NJ (KYW Newsradio) — A new play, which had its world premiere over the weekend at Camden Repertory Theater, examines the flaws of the child support system through the lens of a game show.
Camden Rep founder Desi P. Shelton wrote the play and stars as single mom Ajani.
“We ask ourselves through the game, ‘Is she going to win the ultimate prize?’” Shelton said. “And what is the ultimate prize? Is it the money? Or is it the relationship? … And what are the rules? There always seem to be some ambiguous rules … to the system.”
Shelton drew on her own experience as a single mom, as well as research into the financial impacts of single parenthood. “I started digging … and information started coming up on economic mobility, and how marriage is one of the major parts that can contribute to economic mobility.”
The theater space is a former row house, which gives an immersive feeling to the play. The experience begins even before you enter the building, with the sidewalk set up like a Monopoly board.
The cast also includes Chynah Michele as Ajani’s daughter, Muff. The play is directed by Barrymore Award-winner Ozzie Jones and features original music performed by a live band.
Shelton founded Camden Rep in 2005 to address a lack of artistic spaces in Camden and a lack of stories in theater centered on Black women.
She says she thought to herself, “‘The stories of Camden and communities that look like Camden, who are you expecting to tell them, Desi? Who are you expecting to document them so that they continue to live on in history? You have to do it.’
“The mission of Camden Rep is to tell this woman's story. … She may not be the middle-class woman at all, but her story is still valid. … It's easy to ignore someone if you don't have to hear their story.”
“Child Support” is on stage now through Oct. 28. Tickets and information are available on Camden Rep’s website.