A heavenly chat

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to speak with a departed friend now in heaven?

Well, that's the premise of a powerful play written about my dear friend Maurice Carter. He and I became like brothers as we fought alongside each other hoping to prove his innocence. The nine year battle with the state came to an end in 2004 when he was released from prison for medical reasons. He died just three months later.

Award winning playwrights Donald Molnar and Alicia Payne of Toronto were captivated by the story, and have penned a moving stage play called JUSTICE FOR MAURICE HENRY CARTER.

There's a small cast, and a small gospel choir. But the two main characters are Doug Tjapkes, here on this earth...and Maurice Carter, in heaven, having a discussion. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll get angry as you hear them review the ups and downs of that amazing battle for freedom.

I bring all of this up because there will be four staged readings of the play by a fine cast this weekend at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, all in York Theatre. Washington Productions will be presenting the drama on Thursday and Friday, May 2 an 3, at 8 PM. And then on Saturday there will be two performances, at 2 PM and 8 PM. You will not quickly forget Dr. Von Washington's portrayal of Maurice Carter!

There's no admission charge, and it's a story everyone should hear; not because it's about me, but because it's about injustice that could affect anyone.

Please do your best to attend, and let me know your thoughts after the experience.

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