Play grapples with difficult subject affecting many men.
Playwright Rich Ryan is a devoted father of three who lives on Long Island and works in New York City. Rich is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Since breaking his silence in 2003, Rich has been dedicated to raising awareness about childhood sexual abuse and helping others heal from the effects. He has attended many male survivor conferences and his artwork has been displayed at several survivor art shows. In 2010, Rich made an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share his story with a group of 200 male sexual abuse survivors and a national television audience of 15-20 million people.
Rich is a fervent believer in the notion that victims of abuse have the power to live full, rewarding lives. Recognizing the profound impact that sharing one’s story can have on the healing process of others, Rich felt inspired to write Lemon Meringue, a one-act play that chronicles the story of a man struggling with and overcoming the effects of childhood sexual abuse. This is his story. For Rich, the process of writing a play for the first time – particularly a play addressing this subject – has been both challenging and rewarding.
Lemon Meringue is a moving roller-coaster ride through the therapeutic process of Rich, a typical guy from Long Island. As Rich struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse, we witness his anger and pain slowly giving way to happiness and forgiveness. This true story, told through music, dance and dialogue, illustrates one man’s inspirational journey towards survival and finding, then healing, his inner child.
Lemon Meringue is directed and adapted for the stage by Terri Muuss and choreographed by Tracey Katof, with original music by Athena Reich. It runs at The TBG Theatre November 8th – November 24th in New York City. All proceeds benefit The We Are Many Foundation (www.wearemanyfoundation.org).