Congratulations on your upcoming appearances (October 12 and November 1, 7 PM) at the United Solo Theatre Festival! What inspired you to create “Forgive Me, Grandma, For I Have Sinned”?
“Forgive Me, Grandma, For I Have Sinned” serves as a bit of a prelude to my book, Big Waves & Wooden Benches. When I was writing the book, there were layers of my story—especially the nuances of family relationships and personal growth—that I didn’t fully dive into. Creating this show allowed me to explore those deeper aspects, especially my bond with my grandparents and how those early experiences shaped my decisions and identity. It felt like a natural next step to bring these themes to life on stage, with all the humor, heartache, and discovery that comes with it. The title reflects not just my personal guilt and mistakes but also the humor I’ve found in those struggles. I wanted to explore the complexity of forgiveness, identity, and growth in a way that felt honest and relatable.
“Forgive Me, Grandma, For I Have Sinned” mixes monologues, multimedia, and storytelling. Do you have a favorite scene in your show that you look forward to performing each time?
Yes, my favorite is Scene 3. It’s where I interact with someone on a video recording. I love pushing limits and creating something unexpected. The scene brings another voice into the mix, adding depth to the storytelling while keeping the focus on my journey. It feels like a fun risk, and it challenges the audience’s expectations of what a solo performance can involve.
The show explores your personal journey. How do you get the courage to tell your truth on stage?
It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s terrifying. But I realized that there’s power in vulnerability. The more I’ve shared my truth—whether it’s about my family, my experiences, or my own flaws—the more I’ve seen how universal these feelings are. People resonate with the honesty. There’s this release that happens when I step on stage and just let go, knowing that my story might spark something in someone else. That’s what gives me courage—the possibility of connection and understanding.
The show covers difficult topics and personal challenges. How do you use humor to address challenging topics?
Humor has always been a way for me to process pain. In my show, there are some really heavy topics, but I’ve found that laughter gives people permission to lean in and listen without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like an emotional break. Life is messy, but it’s also funny in those weird, awkward, uncomfortable ways. Humor lets me talk about things like family dynamics or personal failures in a way that feels accessible to the audience. It’s not about making light of the hard stuff; it’s about making space for both the pain and the joy.
What do you hope audiences take away from “Forgive Me, Grandma, For I Have Sinned”? Are there specific messages or ideas you aim to convey through your storytelling?
I hope they leave with a sense of connection to their own stories, a reminder that it’s okay to make mistakes and that forgiveness—of others and ourselves—is part of the process. I want people to reflect on the role a family plays in shaping who we are, but also on the importance of carving out our own paths. Life is a mix of humor, heartache, and growth, and I hope the show reminds them to embrace that. Ultimately, I want people to feel seen and inspired to tell their own truths, whatever those may be.
What advice would you like to share with solo performers who are starting to develop of their own solo projects?
Start by being honest with yourself. What story do you need to tell? What scares you? What makes you laugh or cry? Tap into those emotions because that’s where the magic happens. Also, give yourself permission to take your time. Developing a solo project is deeply personal, and it doesn’t have to be perfect right away. Let the story evolve and trust the process. Surround yourself with people who will push you but also hold space for your creativity.
Do you have any upcoming projects or themes you’d like to explore next?
I’m always thinking about what’s next! I might write a second book, or perhaps another one-woman show. I’ve been reflecting a lot on the idea of home—what it means, how it changes over time—and how we sometimes have to create our own sense of belonging. It’s something I’d like to explore more in my next project, especially after my experiences traveling.
“Forgive Me, Grandma, For I Have Sinned”
Written and performed by Stephanie Wilson
Directed by David Meneses
October 12 at 7pm, November 1st at 7pm and November 16 at 8:30pm
The 17th United Solo Festival
September 24 – November 17, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
STEPHANIE EAGAN is a professional writer based in NJ. A fan of every type of live performance imaginable, from taiko drumming to political performance art, she travels the tri-state area and beyond in search of music, art, theater, and excellent coffee.
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