Alisha's Light: Forever 57 at SKAM Satellite Studio

Winner of the 2026 San Diego Fringe Outstanding Drama Award, Alisha’s Light – Forever 57 takes the audience on a journey through Alisha’s magical first year of living authentically. Combining theatrical storytelling and original poetry, Alisha brings to life pivotal conversations with her loved ones that reinforced her own self-acceptance. Her story demonstrates the transformational power of embracing strengths, facing fears and pursuing dreams. Starting with a decision to seek a little bit of happiness on the eve of her 57th birthday Alisha morphed from a reserved prose writer, who feared rejection, into a gregarious performer eager to face the instant judgement that defines poetry slams. Alisha convinces the audience it’s never too late to ask: “What small change can help unlock my best self?”

“Alisha’s Light—Forever 57, written and performed by Alisha Richard, is a courageous, moving, and compelling solo work that presents key moments from Alisha’s life, focusing on her gender-confirmation journey…Alisha’s recitation of her poetry is powerful, convincing, and honest, reflecting the voices of people who question and challenge the normalcy of violence, bigotry, cruelty, and judgmentalism. Yet negativity and denial caused by sociocultural pressure are overcome by a strong sense of who she is: ‘the “beautiful woman whom I didn’t know I was meant to meet.’”

Yuko Kurahashi, Theatre & Art Critic, Professor Emeritus Theater, Kent State

Performance Schedule

Friday, August 28 at 6:00 pm Saturday, August 29 at 3:45 pm Sunday, August 30 at 7:30 pm Wednesday, September 02 at 6:30 pm Saturday, September 05 at 4:15 pm Sunday, September 06 at 3:00 pm