The Whitefire Theatre Solofest presents “REDEEMHer,” written and performed by Tatum Langton, developed and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, playing live, in person on February 4 and streaming on February 10.
“REDEEMHer” Synopsis
Tatum Langton is a young woman who, while still a student at Utah Valley University, becomes the virgin bride of her sweetheart, entering an eternal marriage in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church). Her big dream is to move to London with her husband, where she will study acting and he will study directing. But years begin to slip by, and London remains as far away from Utah as ever. With the pressures of marriage, money, and the community to which they are both a part, the couple find themselves in discord. Dejected, Tatum becomes vulnerable to the overtures of another man. Adultery, as the Mormon Church sees it, is a sin next to murder. After just one night of illicit sex, Tatum finds herself plunged into a deep well of guilt, sorrow and remorse.
She has sinned and, like the fictional Hester Prynne, feels a scarlet A emblazoned upon her chest. Has she ruined her life? Can she save her marriage? Will her husband forgive her? Will God forgive her? Can she forgive herself? To whom can she turn in the hour of her greatest emotional and spiritual need? Her friends? Her family? Her church? To God?
The pandemic has really done a number on theatre hasn’t it. “REDEEMher” was scheduled for a performance at the Whitefire Theatre last March, I was all ready to attend, and then bam. Closed. Tatum Langton is a tough cookie though. And she was determined to perform this truly amazing show. So a few months ago she did, at the lovely Santa Monica Playhouse to a packed house and a grateful audience. And I was there. I include the review below, but suffice it to say, it’s a wonderful, funny, moving and absolutely hilarious show.
I do love solo shows. But even as a stalwart fan, sometimes something very special comes along. Something that brings a whole new perspective to your world. A whole new lens through which to see. “REDEEMHer” is just such a show and I cannot recommend it enough…truly.
Review: https://nohoartsdistrict.com/redeemher-how-i-screwed-up-my-perfect-mormon-life/
One night at the Whitefire Theatre on February 4 and then streaming on February 8. Do yourself a huge favour and see this show.
Since I have already reviewed the show, I thought it wold be nice to have some insight from Tatum on how it all came to be…
Hi Tatum!! What was it that made you need to create this show? Your why.
I needed to create this show because I needed to get this story out of me. I had wanted to share this story since it happened about 10 years ago. I thought of creating a short film, but a solo show in 2021 seemed the quickest and easiest option. I wanted to share my perspective of adultery, especially being part of a religious community that teaches repentance and redemption. I don’t want to be ashamed of my mistakes, but rather show how I have learned from them. I thought my story was a powerful story, especially when we as humans can be so judgmental. Also, it was March 2021, I had just found out I was pregnant (it didn’t take), and I didn’t want to have a baby in 2021 after a not great 2020 without doing…something with my craft. It was a good motivator.
What a solo show rather than a larger production?
I had thought of a larger production, short or feature film, even a series, but I saw more obstacles with a larger production. I wanted to get something out, something performed, before I found more excuses. Several people suggested I do a one-woman show in general, and I realized it was the perfect way to tell my story the way I wanted, to have more control and not be as limited. And then if I wanted to take my story and expand it to something bigger, I would have a strong foundation.
What were the highs and lows of creating the show?
Let’s start with the lows so we can end on the highs. Lows were the stress of creating, writing the show in a relatively short amount of time. I started writing March 30, 2021 and had a finished script by mid-July, so that I could have two weeks to rehearse and get it ready to premiere at the beginning of August at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. All the while, I was creating the visuals and marketing, working on other acting projects between L.A. and Utah. It became a surprisingly and incredibly busy April-August for me.
Emotionally it was also difficult. I was digging up old texts and videos of my ex and me to get inspiration, and there were nights I was bawling on the floor. I thought I had unpacked all there was to unpack, but apparently there was more. This also was quite cathartic, which was a high. I realized how beautiful it all was, the highs and lows, the life of that relationship from beginning to end.
Highs were seeing it all come together. Sometimes I had no idea how I was going to write certain parts, and when I was deliriously tired it would just come out. It’s amazing what you can do when you think you can’t but you do it anyway…and have a team of people to help you. I was looking for a song to replace a song I couldn’t get the rights to, and my husband suggested the song that ends the show. It’s written and performed by friends of ours and it couldn’t be more perfect. Serendipitous moments like that felt like magic. Not to mention running into my ex a week before I finished the script, which gave me my ending. Another high was having friends come out to see the show. I sold out every show, which was humbling. And hearing people have emotions while watching my show? Uh! It’s an actor’s dream.
What advice do you have to anyone thinking of creating a solo show?
I would find a team. I worked with Jessica Lynn Johnson of Soaring Solo Studios. Her resources are invaluable. I didn’t have time to figure things out myself when it came to solo shows and fringe festivals, so having her and her team to guide me was a HUGE time and life saver.
What have you learned in this journey?
That if I just move towards my goal and begin to take action, things work out somehow. I met the people I needed to help. I finished everything just in time. I had no idea what I was doing. I had never even written a full script before. I just said ‘I’m doing it’ and I did. It sounds so simple, but I’m still in awe that I accomplished this. Having the Hollywood Fringe as a flag in the ground was helpful. I have learned that I need that kind of accountability. I need a target that’s not too far off. Also, I do know what I’m talking about. I have a style and didn’t have to back down when people didn’t agree. I may have had no idea what I was doing, but I knew what I wanted and got to watch it become a reality.
Would you do this again?
Yes. Well, I’m not sure I’ll do another solo show. We’ll see. I do plan to take “REDEEMher” to more festivals, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But as far as ‘would I challenge and create something for myself that I’m proud of again?’ Yes, absolutely yes.
Where:
Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
When:
Live, in person: February 4 at 8PM
On demand: February 10 at 8PM
Tickets:
https://solofest.stagey.net/projects/7238?tab=tickets