“Shattering” is a solo poetic performance piece that reflects on the journey of a young girl, known affectionately as Nicole, as she grows up to be Juhanna. Young Nicole struggles with blazing her own trail and meeting everyone’s approval of who they believe she should be. Juhanna feels the weight of becoming her own woman and transitioning into the successful Dr. Juhanna Rogers. Despite her self-discovery, this dynamic business leader and one-woman powerhouse finds herself, once again, seeking approval. As she longs to love, celebrate, and recognize Dr. Juhanna Rogers her world begins to shatter, reflecting the intricacies of becoming her true self.

You may recognize Dr. Juhanna Rogers as one of the “Great 8” who made national history in 2016, as the largest number of Black women to complete doctorate degree requirements, simultaneously, from Indiana University. Now, this Newark native known throughout Upstate New York as the insightful and warm host of the popular television Show, Behind the Woman, will return home next month to join the many talented artists invited to perform at the 21st Newark Art Festival (NAF) “ Artful Healing” https://newarkartsfestival.com .

Shattering is directed by Esther Banegas Gatica, a proud playwright and dramaturg from Honduras. Gatica has written/directed several of her own one-act plays. She obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting/Screenwriting at the University of California, Riverside. Follow her work at IG: @esteyg