One Child's Prayer
ONE CHILD’S PRAYER is a two-act drama that depicts one of our society’s fastest-growing and most tragic maladies-child abuse. ONE CHILD’S PRAYER shows the various forms of child abuse seven-year-old Jill faces on her life’s journey- physical neglect, physical abuse, active and passive sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect. A reminder is given that child abuse is a sin and a crime that must be reported to the proper authorities.
by: REV. LANCE EDMOND BROWN, Playwright
Revised 2005
SYNOPSIS
ONE CHILD’S PRAYER is a two-act drama that depicts one of our society’s fastest-growing and most tragic maladies-child abuse. ONE CHILD’S PRAYER takes place in a southern city suburb. The year is now.
The Davises, an average American family, are dealing with a hidden problem of child abuse. The main characters are Laura Davis, a public school teacher; husband Tony Davis, a soon-to-be unemployed welder at a local industrial plant dealing with substance abuse; and Jill, their bright, beautiful, and lovable seven-year-old daughter. Laura and Jill are active members of the neighborhood community church.
Other characters are the Reverend Dr. LeRoy Sims, the Davis’s pastor who confronts Tony regarding a rumor about Jill being abused; Ms. Barbara Picket from the Child Protection Agency, who attempts to remove Jill from the home but is faced with bureaucratic red tape; Officer Mike Ballard, the investigating officer who cannot arrest Tony due to Laura’s unwillingness to expose Tony’s actions toward Jill; and Tyler, Jill’s seven-year-old neighbor who encourages Jill to tell someone that her father is abusing her; Tyler’s mother; and Gooseneck, the “neighborhood crackhead.”
ONE CHILD’S PRAYER is a serious drama that tells the story of many young children who struggle to stay alive in a family where they are not loved or valued.
ONE CHILD’S PRAYER shows the various forms of child abuse Jill faces on her life’s journey- physical neglect, physical abuse, active and passive sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect.
In the final scene, Rev. Sims delivers a powerful sermon that urges the congregation to develop an awareness and sensitivity to the various forms of child abuse. A reminder is given to the congregation that child abuse is a sin and a crime that must be reported to the proper authorities, and they are strongly challenged to do so. Jill’s prayer is one that everyone should hear.
Touring since 1984, ONE CHILD’S PRAYER has captured the attention, hearts, and emotions of audiences who leave with the awareness that CHILD ABUSE IS A SIN AND A CRIME. When it comes to the welfare of children, we must get involved. ONE CHILD’S PRAYER is educational, informative, and carries a powerful message. When ONE CHILD’S PRAYER comes to a theater near you, judge for yourself why ONE CHILD’S PRAYER will be rated America’s number one film to increase the awareness of child abuse.
Audio Recording
We have prepared a recording of the information above for your edification. Please enjoy our production description:
40+
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
From The Audience
The workshop proved to be extremely beneficial. I endorse Lance Brown and Public Awareness Theater, Inc., and I highly recommend his dramatic workshop and plays to my friends, colleagues, and business associates.
The First Semester captured our student’s attention and kept them engaged. The play was informative and inspiring to the students. You continuously motivate our students and make them excited about their first semester on our campus.
To our great joy, Sunset High exceeded our expectations The play was timely, engaging, and for some, I am sure, even a life-changing experience. I thank you for bringing the production to the Saginaw community.
The productions Sunset High and Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt have been presented at Ebenezer. If you are looking for a “game-changer” in your efforts to serve humanity, let me personally recommend Public Awareness Theater as a critical tool which serves the present age.
Our Upward Bound students were deeply touched by the play The First Semester. The performance gave our students the type of reinforcement needed to look at the choices, decisions, and evaluate consequences that we as individuals face every day.
The play, Sunset High, is an effective portrayal of challenges that many youths face today. I, along with students appreciated the tragicomic style of the play in that it conveyed a serious message that was mixed with a strand of comedy.
Our chapter collaborated with Public Awareness Theater in hosting the original stage play Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt. The play served as an opportunity to raise awareness regarding domestic violence, as well as a fundraiser for our organization. We were entertained by a stellar production company, with passionate acting, and a compelling story.
Public Awareness Theater has been performing on the campus of Coahoma Community College since 1993. Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt was powerful, and some students confessed that the play mirrored their current or past situations.
The First Semester made a great impact on our students’ first impression of university life. The play was both entertaining-we laughed, and educational-we learned. I look forward to working with you in the future.