An original play created and performed by the residents of Y-Haven of YMCA of Greater Cleveland, a transitional housing facility that supports men in recovery from addiction and homelessness. A consistent audience favorite, the CPT/Y-Haven Theatre Project production is based on the men’s stories and experiences, offering candid insight into important issues of our society and giving real hope for growth and change. Audiences are deeply moved by the poignant stories presented in this powerful collaboration.
After taking very different life paths, brothers Melvin and Shaun have reunited to reopen the family business—their father’s shoe store—in the heart of their struggling community. But when a key financial investor reveals his true nature, the brothers are unwittingly pitted against each other. As Melvin tries to navigate an unfair financial landscape and Shaun fights to keep negative influences at bay, both men come to understand they’ve inherited more than their father’s work—they are walking in the footsteps of their father’s discipline, secrets and lies. “Walk a Mile” is a powerful original story that looks at the many layers that exist below the surface of our humanity – our secrets, our truth, and our responsibility for one another.
There were ELEVEN Free Tour Performances throughout the Community, a Special Benefit Performance and close to 1200 people saw this original production. There was also a talk back session with the audiences about homelessness and lives destroyed by substance abuse and poverty. The free public shows help raise awareness about homelessness and they reinforce the truth that people coping with addition can lead productive lives, and illuminate the struggle of addiction. Over 9500 funder-credited postcards were given out in the Cleveland area and we were proud to partner with the Ohio Arts Council, Ridgecliff Foundation and Wolf Family Foundation.
