Developed through a collaboration between prolific poet and fiction writer Gary Soto and San Francisco Youth Theatre, The Afterlife is a bold new work about death that is intended for teens who have experienced the pain of violence, suicide, and loss in their communities. It is based on Soto’s young adult novel of the same title. The production, directed by Cliff Mayotte and featuring a young cast, has been reaching out to teens through performances at California theaters and high school auditoriums.
January and February performances took place at Sequoia High School (Redwood City); Mercedes Edwards Theatre (Clovis); Selma Arts Center; and Madera High School. The Afterlife next will be presented at Napa High School on March 6, 2019. A special benefit performance is planned for April 18 at 7:30 at Stage Werx Theater in San Francisco.
In November 2019, The Afterlife will reach audiences far outside of state when it is presented at the Kestenburg International Festival of Student Theatre in Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Schools or community groups wanting to book The Afterlife, should contact [email protected].