Azuka Theatre presents Young Money

I had the opportunity to view Young Money. It’s a chance opportunity about a young and upcoming rapper, Tomasina aka Kila-T who discovers that her life is about to change in an instant. She is accompanied by Gardenia who has been hired to clean Kila-T’a dressing room in a near death experience that brings them together.

Azuka Theatre Safety Iniaitives

Attending a production comes with an extra layering of safety. Be prepared to show your vaccination card as well as plan to keep your mask on the entire show. There is ample seating as well. Azuka Theatre is doing it’s part to adhere to the CDC’s recommendations!

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Music, Babies, and Dilemmas

Just like Kila-T the question of can you really do like Beyoncé and have these children and get back to business? Being a Mother and having a career is challenging. Kila-T is attempting to find out if she has to give up one to satisfy the other. In real life up into just shy of a few years ago the thought of being sexy, being a woman, and being a mom was completely taboo. No way could a woman decide to have it all and have respect. Playwright Erlina Ortiz does a beautiful job showcasing this very real dilemma. Whether you got bits like Kila-T or not every woman knows the demands to be put in a position to choose.

A Scarf and a Relationship

We find Gardenia thinking of what her life could have been. Recently losing her job she’s cleaning Kila-T’s dressing room. What a moment to be in. You’re in your mid 50s and your life feels like you have lost every once of control. Yet when Kila-T meet it’s a rocky encounter for sure. The judgment of who both women they the other is couldn’t be far from the connection they share. This is so vital in learning not to judge a book by its cover or scarf.

Keeping it Real in Young Money

There are many moments where first of all I love hearing the music shed light on how dynamic women and hip hop really are. Embracing our ability to stand out in this world and make impactful meaning. Music is judged by how “ghetto” it comes off. In reality, the music highlights the shift in women owning who they are. Kila-T is apart of that shift. Just like the relationship between Gardenia and Kila-T life has a way of building connection.

Life Happens

Both women are learning that life is only a breath away. Both women banding together to save each other’s lives is key to building their forever bond. It teaches Gardenia that it’s never too late to dream and start over. Age is a not a debilitating circumstance. The dream isn’t deferred. Kila-T in her own way is a walking teacher in her own right.

Pay What You Decide

Azuka Theatre is always giving voices to marginalized voices. They are the theatre that uplifts the stories that go unheard. I always appreciate the diversity in their productions. Pay as you decide is how theater becomes available to all. When you’re there you can decide on what you believe the ticket is or what you can afford. Also you can always donate as well.

Azuka Theatre is located at 302 S. Hicks Street in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The production, Young Money is written by Erlina Ortiz and directed by Briana Gause. Tomasina aka Kila-T is played by Angela Bey. Gardenia is played by Johanna Tolentino. The play does have strong language so it’s not for small children. They recommend ages 13 and up. There is also a potential act of violence as well. The audience can expect to dance as well as laugh. The comedic timing is amazing. Young Money is in production until November 21, 2021. Get your tickets now!

Thank you to Azuka Theatre and Aversa PR for having me!  Your hospitality is always amazing!