Thou Shall Not Judge Concludes Original Local Trilogy

Jermaine Beason

Saturday, Feb. 15

Get to the root of some deep problems as Thou Shall Not Judge, the final installment of the "Family Secrets Trilogy," brings the Carter family's troubles to fruition.

Local playwright Jermaine Beason started the trilogy with I Promise You'll Like It, introducing family members Marcus, Malcom, Steve, Deja, and Anita, along with Pa Pa Joe. When the family faces trials and tribulations, lies run rampant and the whole family is affected.

In the second show, A Day of Remembrance, the family deals with the aftermath of Deja's passing. The family seems to have properly mourned and repented, but something still is not right. The show ends with a bang, leaving the family members with unanswered questions.

Broken families and keeping secrets about deep-rooted trauma can stop the growth and love that people continue to seek. Beason says the show is for everyone and hopes to see all ages there, learning the lesson of how actions can impact others.

The trilogy was written in response to a childhood trauma Beason experienced and although writing the plays were therapeutic, he also hopes it opens up a conversation to those who see it.

"I want you to enjoy the show, but when you go home, I want there to be a serious conversation, especially to people that have been victims or have been keeping to themselves all these years," Beason said.

He also commented that a lot of families may relate to the messages in the show and as one of the lines reads, "until you stop hiding family secrets, you'll never be able to break generational curses." — Chloe Forbes

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. // Strong Vincent Middle School, 1330 W. 8th St. // jj-productions.ticketleap.com. Another showing will take place at Edinboro University on Feb. 22.