Kickstarter

Shaggae's Song Performing Arts Collective is fundraising for a three week debut limited run of Mourning Sun in a New York City venue.  As a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, we're committed to developing and producing works focused on international women's issues, uniting the world village in an effort to build bridges for our future generations. We're also dedicated to providing exceptional performing arts training to students grades 4-12. Mourning Sun is a moving, inspirational exploration of the boundaries of love and hope when two young people are faced with the effects of the fistula epidemic starting in Ethiopia and tracking them upon their arrival in the United States. It starts  following a vibrant young girl and her best friend, a bright, upbeat boy living in the Bahr Dahr region of Ethiopia bonded by their passion and love for Michael Jackson's music. Suddenly becoming the focus of her mother's ambition and caught in a tug of war between cultural traditions and her own wishes, the girl's story unearths the everyday violence lurking under the guise of tradition in some parts of the world.  This important story needs to be told. Mourning Sun raises awareness of real life conditions affecting some 2 million girls and women in  African, Middle Eastern, Asian and Eastern European countries.  When pregnant girls and women lack the medical care they need, leading to obstructed, prolonged and painful labor, causing their bodies to literally be broken, obstetric fistula occurs.  Due to the obstruction, there is a hole created between the vagina & rectum or the bladder and vagina causing uncontrollable leaking of urine and sometimes feces, resulting in these women being shunned by their families, often times left to live in complete isolation. We believe that Mourning Sun tells the story in a manner that will start the conversations that will bring about change. The fistula epidemic is one that does not need to exist.  We need your help to bring this play to production so that the dialogue begins.