Play about love and relationships to debut

Published 1:39 pm Thursday, August 11, 2016

DALTON, Ga. — Venus Rice said growing up she always teased her younger sister Kenyatta Burse about having 30 voices in her head.

“I used to tell her she was crazy and now I see I’m right,” Rice said. “She has all these characters in her head for a reason.”

Burse writes, produces and directs stage plays. Her latest, “The Love That Woke My Heart,” will be performed on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Wink Theatre in Dalton. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the night of the show. They can be purchased by calling Burse Productions at (313) 676-8203 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

This is the first play in Dalton for Burse, a native of Detroit who has 16 plays under her belt and who now lives here.

“Some may think it’s a cliché, but God gives me all my inspiration,” Burse said. “None of the plays that I’ve written are from personal experiences. God gave me the plot and characters.”

Burse said this play is based on three women with different outlooks on love.

“It’s the woman who feels as though she is tired of relationships and getting hurt. The one that only wants to focus on her job, then the married one who thinks everyone needs to get married because it’s a wonderful experience,” she said.

Michelle Satcher of Dalton plays Konstance, a partner in a law firm. Satcher describes her character as “the very outspoken friend that always tries to keep it real.”  

This is Satcher’s first play to act in, and she admits she’s nervous.

“I’m giving it my all because I want to do well, I’m ready to do it,” she said.  

There are 18 actors and actresses in the play, which Burse says will last two and a half hours including intermission.

She said there are no “extras” in the play.

“They may not have bigger roles but everybody is important,” she said.

Burse said the play focuses on how everyone looks at love differently.

“Throughout the drama, backstabbing and lying, despite all one goes through, you still can find the love that wakes your heart,” she said.

With the exception of school plays, Rice said she’s never acted before, but will get a chance in this play. She plays Jada, the married one in the trio of friends.

“I’m excited about it, I’m a character anyway,” she said.

Rice, who also lives in Dalton, said people who come to the play can expect to walk away with a great message.

“There will be some tear shedding, motivation and even a little church,” she said.

Rice said people from all walks of life will be able to relate to the play.

“If they can’t relate personally they know someone who can,” she said.

Rice said she’s proud of her sister and the work she put into making this play a reality.

“Our parents spent a lot time cultivating our gifts. I’m really excited for her,” she said.

Satcher is also excited for Burse.

“I want the play to do well, she’s put her heart in it for sure,” she said.