Tag along for ‘The Joy Ride’

Throughout an individual’s life, many goals and aspirations are present. One of the main goals is the pursuit of freedom, joy and happiness. For local theater lovers, there is an ongoing production that discusses the pursuit of joy despite trials and tribulations. “The Joy Ride” is a Roots and Wings Project (RAW) and written and directed by Jesse Bliss. The production will take place in both Southern and Northern California, with the Southern performances running through Oct. 12 at the Graff Angeles Gallery, 1100 E. 5th St., in Downtown Los Angeles.
The production stars four main protagonists. The ensemble cast includes Darian Dauchan as Kenzi, Reginald P. Louis as Rafael, Marlene Luna Castenada as Lina and Ashlee Olivia as Yasmine. The play revolves around the four character’s friendship and various life events. Kenzi is trying to navigate life after being incarcerated for 29 years. Rafael is recovering from a debilitating bout of COVID. Lina is a single mother and Yasmine has just escaped a dangerous relationship. They have reunited after a period of time and gather to “ride out” and let it all go as they share their sorrows, concerns, questions and offer each other a pearl of wisdom from their own experiences.
The majority of the play takes place in and around a vintage convertible. The setting of the play adds to the unique experience for attendees as does the outdoor seating arrangement.
Throughout the course of the play the characters exchange their own narratives, differences of opinion and philosophies regarding how to navigate life and find the light that is present even in the darkest of situations. As they prepare to ride out, they find that the car won’t start. However after interacting with an ancient skull that Kenzi has procured the car majestically powers on. The skull symbolizes wisdom, truth and love as the car symbolizes freedom for the foursome.
Director Jesse Bliss says of her hopes for the play, “I hope that this play invites people to consider what it means to claim joy in a world with this much darkness and this much grief.”