The Tramaine Experience: An Urban Dramedy

Storyline

At the beginning of "The Tramaine Experience: An Urban Dramedy," returning tenant Tramaine, is due to perform but we are informed by production that, as per custom, he is running late. We quickly find out that the theatre space/auditorium we are sitting in is the self-proclaimed dwelling place of the homeless Mr. Jarvis Williams and we have in fact intruded onto his territory! This space is the rarely used Community Center of Tramaine's old 'hood'- The Cabrini Green Projects- The notoriously infamous housing complex popularly depicted across mediums as the symbolic capital of ghettos and ghetto life across America. Mr. Jarvis charmingly hi-jacks the unsuspecting audience, beginning our departure on a semi-autobiographical journey through a refreshingly interactive experience. In Tramaine's continued absence, the rest of a colorfully eclectic cast of locals try to fill in for him. We get to know Mr. Jarvis- A homeless street performing recovering ex dope-addict turned alcoholic, Patrick 'Pookie' Washington- His dope dealing rapper son, Laquanda Marie Jenkins- Pookie's pregnant, mis-educated, hair-styling, outspoken girlfriend, and Habib Sharif- The gossiping Pakistani-American neighborhood store owner. Over the course of an hour these characters interact with, react to, perform for, and ultimately endear themselves to the audience. However, as the stressors of their real lives, past and present events, creep into the night, we slowly begin to witness the complexities of their minds and lives under the unexpected spotlight of the stage- peeling away layers that reveal how inner-city life has affected them, their families, and who they know themselves to be. They freely share insights about themselves and the world in which they reside. Through their stories and memories, we are finally introduced to a troubled teenage Tramaine who has to tell his mother how he ruined his chances to leave the Projects, attend college, and escape the problems that plague them all. Two very important people in Tramaine's life teach him the most human of abilities to survive and thrive through challenging situations, insurmountable odds, and that beauty can blossom from the murkiest of places. A neighborhood event spreads the message to the other characters, as they each assess the true nature of their own lives, dreams, and goals, passing their newfound enlightenment onto the most important characters in the room, the audience.