Author's book inspires play, acting debut

Katrina Carmichael has never been an actress and admits the idea of appearing on stage makes her nervous. But the author of Maya's Journey, a series of children's books about a little girl coping with domestic abuse, could not turn down the role she'll play in Saving Mama.
  It was written especially for her.
  Carmichael's sister Michelle Carmichael-Walker lost her life to domestic violence on May 20, 2003. The sisters grew up with domestic violence, and with Michelle's death, Katrina found a cause that seems to define her life. The books grew out of her commitment to helping children "break the silence" about abuse. They also inspired local playwright, Lanette White, to create a work for the stage around the idea of domestic violence.
   "It was a humbling experience," said Carmichael, whose character bears her name and is a truancy officer who sees a 16-year-old struggling with grades and behaviors. "She finds it's due to abuse by the stepfather, who is on the city council."
   Like the character in her book series, Maya, the young man in the play keeps quiet about what's going on at home. Carmichael knows about that silence first-hand, as do her siblings. She recalls being at a book signing with her brother, who told her he always thought they were the only kids whose family was affected by domestic violence.
    "We want to try to get it from the child's perspective," she says of the play. "It's about breaking the silence."
   In addition to her stage role, Carmichael will be reading a poem she wrote, "Eyes Wide Open Shut," during the performance. Though she is challenged by the acting and the emotions embedded in the play, she values the opportunity to share her story.
    There's also a down side, she admits, that has to do with family.
"Every time I share my story, I feel a little guilty, because I'm breaking my silence," she says. "I love my daddy, and my parents are still together." Though the abuse has ended and the family has healed, she believes deep down, her father still feel somewhat ashamed. "But he's okay with it. He supports me."
   In addition, Carmichael has a very powerful motivation for moving forward with this project. "My sister's death is a constant reminder," she says. "It's really rewarding to be able to tell my story."
   Showtimes for Saving Mama are Friday, October 3, 2008, 8pm, and Saturday, October 4, 2008, 3 pm and 8pm, at The International Institute, 111 Kirby at John R (across from the DIA). For ticket info, please contact Carmichael at 313-590-5185 or Shawn P Entertainment, 313-433-8384.
   For information on Maya's Journey, and the third book in the series, Back Together Again, visit the author's Web site: http://www.katrinacarmichael.com/

--Joni Hubred-Golden