Choices and Consequences

Tackling cultural and gender stereotypes head on

A previously taboo subject, male infertility forms the central focus of this touching new drama by minister-turned-playwright Marlon Orlando Cole. Premiering at St Luke's Theater from July for a limited engagement, Choices and Consequences follows the heartbreaking journey of one African American couple who are desperate to have a child. Confronted with the reality that the would-be father suffers from infertility, their seemingly perfect and solid marriage is thrown into chaos as they are both forced to re-evaluate their life choices and their relationship. Tackling the stereotype of the virile African-American male, this drama is based on Cole's own experience with infertility and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage.

Cole spoke out about his reasons for writing the play, stating, "My perception of myself as a strong black man began to fade. I felt weak, emasculated and that my manhood would always be called into question whether audible or inaudible, spoken or unspoken." This engaging new play stars Charese Annel, N'Fa Thomas, Iliana Paris, Thomas Duverne and LK.