Marlo Rodriguez remembers doing a stage reading for a play called “Seeking” back in 2022.
It was at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, and she was struck by how many audience members related to the main character — a man who grew up without his father in his life. Now, Rodriguez gets to return to the Broward Center on July 26-27 for the full production of “Seeking,” a new play by Darius V. Daughtry.
“It provided another place of healing and a connection for [the audience]. I was able to see firsthand just from us reading the play to people how much it moved them,” Rodriguez said.
“Seeking” follows the journey of a young musician who receives a large sum of money after the death of his absent father. With his world changing, the musician discovers the type of person he wants to be and whether he can forgive his father. The play is produced by Daughtry’s Art Prevails Project, a South Florida-based performing and literary arts organization.
Rodriguez frequently volunteers and teaches art for Art Prevails, having become involved with the nonprofit group when she auditioned for “Seeking” about three years ago.
“I’ve had such an amazing time working on this show. We are a team of just such kind and brilliant Black artists,” Rodriguez said. “I think that being able to work with Darius [Daughtry] as a playwright and as our director, it really cultivates a space for us to try new things.”
Daughtry, founder and director of Art Prevails, said the play is partially autobiographical and explores how events can impact people differently as they get older. Like Rodriguez, he also recalled that reading in 2022 and how audience members of different backgrounds resonated with the story and characters.
“This show is honest, and sometimes in art or in life, and more so in life, we are not very honest. Even with ourselves, right? Most of the time we’re not honest with ourselves,” Daughtry said. “I think this particular show is all about honesty and about the characters. Maybe they might not have started off honest, but finding moments of honesty with themselves and with each other is one of the appropriate through lines with the entire show.”
Xaire Goodridge, who plays the lead in the local, all-Black cast production, said he was inspired to work on “Seeking” because of his strong relationship with Daughtry and his own resemblance to the main character.
“I’m a musician myself, someone who has strong ties to his mother and his grandmother,” said Goodridge, who has known Daughtry for more than 10 years. “The play revolves around my character and opens up with him working on his music while his family was at his father’s funeral.
“Seeing as how I grew up without my father, it’s been a challenging experience, because there are a lot of different interactions where I have to tap into something that, in the past, I tried to avoid.”
“Seeking” is part of the Broward Center’s Arts for Action: Black Voices program, which uses the arts to amplify diverse voices. Daughtry has previously worked with the Broward Center for its Student Enrichment through the Arts program and Art Prevail’s annual series “The Happening: A Theatrical Mixtape.”
Jan Goodheart, the center’s vice president of external affairs, hopes to continue working with Daughtry and Art Prevails.
“Our work with Darius so far has all been outstanding. Darius produces original work that is thought-provoking, very engaging and always leaves audiences really feeling inspired,” Goodheart said. “He’s a really skillful storyteller and has a great gift for making his stories relatable and relevant to all audiences.”
“Seeking” will have showings at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27. After the evening shows, there will be a reception with beverages and gift bags, as well as a discussion led by Daughtry and the actors.
“‘Seeking’ is about family,” Daughtry added. “It is about the pursuit of one’s dreams. It is about how your past influences and affects your future and your present. It is about relationships.
“It’s about a young man aspiring to be a musician, and all the things that come into play with his pursuit for his dream.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Seeking,” a new play by Darius V. Daughtry
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, July 26; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27
WHERE: Amaturo Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $30-$50
INFORMATION: 954-462-0222; browardcenter.org
