Anastasia Means-Dallas decided to adapt her best selling book, “Waiting With A Purpose-A Guide to Finding Your Boaz,” into a play called “The Present Day Ruth.” Dallas recently spoke to rolling out about the play which will debut at Atlanta’s 14th Street Playhouse on Feb. 1.
How did the creation of the play come about?
The creation of the play began after leaving the field of education after teaching 14years. I was also left to care for my grandmother who suffers from dementia. I always said I wanted to take elements from my book, “Waiting With A Purpose-A Guide to Finding Your Boaz,” and turn it into a play, so the inspiration set in one month after leaving the teaching field.
How long did it take you to create this story?
To be honest, it was a very quick work. I wrote the play in about three weeks, and by week five, I casted it for production, and we were in full rehearsal.
What was your first step when deciding to hire a team of actors and production crew?
I used different mediums to recruit. I used people from church, people from the education field, as well as the acting websites.
What has been the most challenging part of the process?
The most challenging part of the process is understanding everything that relates to theatre being that I did not have a theatre background. God blessed me with people with the wisdom to aid me in bringing the vision to past.
What has been the most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of it all is seeing the cast and production team develop, and walk into their divine purpose outside the arena of this play. Many of them have recording projects, and other acting gigs as a result of being a part of the Present Day Ruth Production.
What do you hope viewers will take away from this play?
It is my hope that viewers will take away the fact that no matter what challenges they face in life, it is not too hard for God. God’s grace is truly sufficient for us all, because we all have things in our life that we need to overcome.
