Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest 2018 presents “Hope Vs Life”
“Hope vs Life” is a delightful and engaging one-woman show presented at the Whitefire theatre, written and performed by Des Nicole and expertly directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson.
The play is set in a boxing ring and it’s 12 monologues or “rounds” that continue the inspirational “fight” theme as we follow the character of young Hope, from the ages of 7 to 28.
All along the way, she is beset by challenges and struggles in her life, both personal and situational. The ever-present and shrouded ‘boxer’ onstage is a clever and engaging representation of a life always ready to beat her down, but never quite being able to succeed. Hope gets into trouble a few times and touches on compelling themes of bullying, teenage pregnancy and racism. She is even knocked down completely at one point, but not knocked out. She continues to rise to every occasion, over and over again and with each time she is stronger than before. This show is about strength, heart and a young woman’s spirit and will to not only survive but to excel.
The simple and effective set was sparse but right on point. It really added to the overall experience of the show.
Des Nicole has a lot of charisma and is a terrific young talent, someone to really watch out for in the future as a writer and a performer.
This show was only performed for one night during Whitefire’s Solofest, but such a great story will surely be performed again and again and it’s well worth watching out for, I highly recommend it.