A13 The Afro-American July 11, 2026 - July 17, 2026
Baltimore Center Stage spotlights Black Church with ‘(pray)’ By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO From the moment audiences walked into Baltimore Center Stage for the play, “(pray),” the theater was on fire. As patrons made their way to their seats, praise and worship was already underway, dissolving the traditional boundary between audience and performer. Within moments, strangers became a congregation, clapping, smiling and swaying together. Before the lights dimmed, attendees were no longer just watching a play, they had stepped into a sanctuary. Created, directed and choreographed by Nichi Douglas, with music by STARR Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis, “(pray)” was a sacred offering that explored faith, identity, healing and the enduring role of Black women who have carried generations through unwavering belief. The play opened June 13 and ran through July 5. For anyone who spent all day Sunday, each week of their childhood, in church, the production felt instantly familiar. Attendees saw their mothers, grandmothers, aunties, church mothers, deaconesses, stewards and ushers reflected on stage with remarkable authenticity. Their humor, traditions and unwavering commitment to faith were portrayed with warmth and honesty. But “(pray)” didn’t simply celebrate the Black Church, it challenged it with love and humor. The play celebrated the love and strength found in the church, but also didn’t ignore the hurt that some people have experienced there. It served as a reminder that while churches were made up of imperfect people, faith could still be deeply personal and healing. That message resonated with ensemble member Ariel “A Kay A” Blackwood, one of multiple performers in the show to portray the single character of Sister Anna Bertha. Blackwood said she hoped audiences were able to feel “a sense of belonging that they never felt before.” “In times like now, we need to feel less alone,” she told the AFRO. Behind the scenes, Blackwood said that the same spirit of community existed among the cast. “I’ve enjoyed the laughter. We have created so much joy while working together on ‘(pray).’ The cast, creative team, production team–getting to know each other has been super positive.”
STARR Busby performs a selection during a showing of “(pray)” at Baltimore Center Stage.
Aigner Mizzelle delivers an emotional performance. Mizzelle’s character, FREE, represents a curious young visitor of the church. That feeling of belonging extended well beyond the stage. Liza Benson, an audience member, spoke to what she experienced. “I came expecting a play, but I left feeling like I’d been to church and therapy in the same evening,” she said. Overall, the production perfectly captured the emotional weight of a show that entertained while encouraging reflection. The stageplay kept audiences engaged through a blend of gospel, spoken word, dance and even moments of rap. Every artistic element
Astaris-Michael Yates portrays Sister Anna Bertha. The name Anna Bertha was given to an ensemble of many actresses who characterized variations of First Ladies in the church.
moved the story forward while honoring the resilience, joy and spiritual endurance of Black women. Among the many standout performances, Astaris-Michael Yates, one of the actors portraying Sister Anna Bertha, commanded attention from the opening moments. Their emotional depth and magnetic stage presence made them impossible to ignore. Equally captivating was CJay Philip, whose powerful performance added heart, vulnerability and authenticity to the production. Philip hoped audiences left with a renewed appreciation for those whose faith sustained generations. “After seeing ‘(pray),’ I hope audiences leave uplifted and reflective of others’ spiritual journeys as well as their own,” said Philip. “I also hope folks are grateful for what Black women have endured throughout history and how faith and community carried them through.” She credited the cast’s chemistry for bringing that message to life. “This cast has been an absolute joy to work with. The level of support, creative play, and talent is outstanding. I’m truly enjoying each moment with them onstage and off—we’ve become family,” said Philip. Benjamin Janson, an attendee, echoed that sentiment: “The music and spoken word made me feel like I was watching my own family’s story unfold.” It was a reminder that while every audience member brought a different story into the theater, many left recognizing pieces of themselves in the lives unfolding on stage.
Ariel Blackwood, warmly known as A Kay A, is one of several actresses who plays the character Sister Anna Bertha in the worldpremiere theatrical production of “(pray).”
Asya Shaw plays The Ancestor in “(pray).” The Ancestor depicts a mystical warrior woman figure who conjured the memory of Maroon escapees finding refuge in Native American tribal lands. The audience itself reflected the production’s universal appeal. People of different ages, races and backgrounds filled Baltimore Center Stage, proving that while “(pray)” is deeply rooted in the Black Church experience, its message of belonging, healing and hope transcended culture. As Sarah Miller concluded, “It reminded me that faith and religion aren’t always the same thing and that realization was freeing.” “(pray)” invited audiences to
laugh, reflect, worship, question and ultimately heal. Whether you grew up in the pews or have never stepped inside a church, this remarkable production offered something we all seek: belonging. As final applause filled the theater, one thing became abundantly clear: “(pray)” was more than a performance … it was an experience. All Photos Courtesy of Baltimore Center Stage via J Fannon Photography
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