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Summer/Fall 2018 Tour:
Chicago Fringe: August 31-September 2, 2018 CCJP Hall
Rochester (NY) Fringe: September 20-22,2018 Geva Theatre
(Baltimore) Charm City Fringe: November 8-11, 2018
Triumphant Runs in London UK, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, Baltimore...
In a story of triumph tinged with bits of heartache, a scrappy girl-child navigates a changing world and finds the courage to live life on her own terms. Actress, soprano, and storyteller Tara Lake takes audiences on a journey into the world of African-American Jersey girlhood in the 1980s-1990s – a world steeped in family Sundays, church conventions, and extravagant reunions, weddings, and funerals. In this unforgettable sojourn embracing southern roots, gospel rhythms, and queer identity, one family’s love conquers all. I Know It Was The Blood: The Totally True Adventures of a Newfangled Black Woman has racked up an Artists’ Choice Award-winning World Premiere at Chicago Fringe 2018, a Rochester Fringe 2018 Best Bet press nod (Rochester Democrat & Chronicle), and a “...Not to Miss at Charm City Fringe” press title (Baltimore Magazine), a CultureTrust of Greater Philadelphia 2019 Independent Artist Festifund Award, and the Borderlight Fringe Festival (Cleveland) 2023 Margaret W. Wong Hope Award. Join us for an unforgettable performance of soul-rich theatre, storytelling, song, and poetry! Suitable for ages 13 and older.
Check Out Tara’s Geva Theatre Blog Post on writing and creating I Know It Was The Blood!
Check Out Our Recommendation Letters!
Summer/Fall 2019 Tour:
Capital Fringe, Washington DC: July 11-13,17 & 23 @ Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church
Camden Fringe, London, UK: August 8-11 @ London Irish Centre
Dream Up Festival, New York, NY: August 25-27 & 30, September 1 @ Theatre for a New City
Fringe, Philadelphia, PA: September 20-22 2019 @ The Whole Shebang
Scranton Fringe Festival, Scranton, PA: October 3-6 2019 @ The SPACE at Olive
From The Press:
...A tour de force of song, poetry, and story that traverses generations, family celebrations, traditions of faith and church; it encompasses descents into danger and social ostracism as well as the discovery of a ‘newfangled testament’ of the power of black womanhood. --New York Theatre Wire
(Lake) possesses an extensive vocal range and blows the roof off belting soul songs.-- Broadway World, London
The Best This Week at Capital Fringe -- The DCist
The Margaret W. Wong Hope Award!
Thank You, Borderlight Fringe, and Thank You, Cleveland!
What a wonderful honor it is for I Know It Was The Blood: The Totally True Adventures of a Newfangled Black Woman to receive the Margaret W. Wong Hope Award at the Borderlight Fringe Festival!
I Know It Was The Blood..was one of over 130 productions on 15 stages in Cleveland’s celebrated Playhouse Square District at Borderlight Fringe Festival, which ran August 3-5, 2023. There were so many outstanding productions and there was much talent throughout the district!
I do not take for granted the honor of receiving one of only 4 awards given at this year’s festival! Thank you Borderlight Fringe Festival for the beautiful award and prize!
I am so truly grateful for the amazing experience, for the historic Hermit Club, and for the outstanding, loving audiences and artists I had the honor of meeting at Cleveland’s amazing Borderlight Fringe Festival!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! - Love, Tara
Top Right: After triumphant runs at the Providence Fringe Festival and the Borderlight Fringe Festival, Tara’s “I Know It Was The Blood: The Totally True Adventures of a Newfangled Black Woman” was featured in the digital and print editions of the historic Philadelphia Tribune ahead of its Jersey Fringe run in August 2023. The tour will wrap in Philadelphia, PA.
Visit the show’s page HERE.
Summer/Fall 2023 Tour:
Philadelphia: November 3 & 4 @ Mosaic Community Church, West Phila.
FringePVD - The Providence Fringe Festival, RI: July 20-22 @ Farm Fresh
Borderlight Fringe Festival, Cleveland: August 3-5 @ Hermit Club
Jersey Fringe Festival: August 19-20(Saturday | Sunday) @ Family Success Center