Described as Hereditary meets The Woman in Black, “The Devil’s Coda” written by Ashley Alonso and produced by Clark Levi and Joshua C. Thomas, is a chilling production that explores generational trauma, the challenges of parenting, and the twisted family ties that we all encounter.
About The Devil’s Coda
A 65-minute, one-act production, The Devil’s Coda debuted last August at Winter Park’s Breakthrough Theatre. While future performances have yet to be announced, the work was very well received at the venue’s New Play Festival – even performing for a few sold-out audiences! I was so thrilled to be among the first to watch this incredible show.
The Devil’s Coda Story
This chilling melodrama follows a young woman who discovers a supernatural piano with a sinister connection to her family’s past. As she continues to unravel the secret details of her mother’s childhood, she gets more and more drawn into a dark drama of her own.
Focused on themes of parenting, abuse, familial pain, and the search for understanding, The Devil’s Coda is a reminder that generational trauma can be like an unmanageable wildfire – destined to harm your children if not properly controlled (or in this case, healed). But in addition to reminding parents of the destructive nature of their own misdirected trauma, it is also a call for understanding and compassion from adult children. Most parents, however they have failed, are trying their best.
Freaky Thoughts: The Devil’s Coda
As a survivor of my own brand of generational trauma (and a parent consciously striving to protect my own children from the same pain), The Devil’s Coda resonated with me in a very real and visceral way. I identified with both mother and daughter in this heart wrenching story of love, loss, and damaged relationships. Alonso has crafted a beautiful narrative that displays a parent’s drive to protect their child combined with their conflicting inability to conceal their own inner wounds.
While there are currently no announced dates for future performances of The Devil’s Coda, playwright Ashley Alonso has expressed an interest in future showings as well as the eventual expansion of the show into a full length production. If you get the opportunity to watch The Devil’s Coda, GO SEE IT! And make sure to stayed tuned to Lightup Shoebox for future show announcements.
About Playwright Ashley Alonso
An avid writer since kindergarten, Ashely Alonso is a talented storyteller, unafraid to confront uncomfortable topics and themes. With The Devil’s Coda (her first published play), Ashley seeks to encourage parents and children to connect, seek understanding, and forgive each other for their human imperfections.
I LOVED The Devil’s Coda, and I can’t wait to see what else this talented writer has in store for the Orlando art community! Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your time and talent.
