Shani Hawes has been
doing theatre in the Metro Atlanta area for the past 4 years and loving every minute of it. It started out with her going to an audition with a friend who was scared so they both auditioned. They both ended up in the show. After that, the acting bug had bit her and she decided she had to do it for the rest of her life.
Shani has been singing forever. Her whole family sings. Her grandmother was a Gospel and an Opera singer, her mother is a Jazz vocalist. Her aunt sings Gospel and R&B… all the women in her family can sing. (…So that’s where she get’s it from!)
Shani’s role in Live Arts Theatre’s Production of Children of Eden is Yonah and storyteller. We sat down with her for a quick interview. Here are her responses:
Q: Is this your first show with Live Arts? If not, what are some of the other shows you have done with us?
A: I am very happy to be back working with Live Arts theatre, I was previously in ReEntry (A show about Marines returning from the war) playing numerous roles. I am super excited to be doing Children of Eden with Live Arts Theatre.
Q: What attracted you to Children of Eden?
A: When my friend told me about it, I looked it up and listened to some of the music. I fell in love with the music and story, and thought it was done very well. Religious stories are often pushed too far to the left or the right, but this one was very well written and balanced. Also, I love the character I get to play, she is everything that people strive for, she is kind, generous, and self sacrificing, and humble. She knows that she is a servant, not part of the family, but she still loves them.
Q: What can audiences look forward to with Children of Eden and why should they come see it?
A: If for no other reason, they should come for the music. People will fall in love with the music. It is a timeless, universal story. There is something in this show that everyone can relate to at some point, where if they are not in that situation now, they have been at some point. There is a character in this show that is a reflection of what everyone has been at some point in their lives… from Eve’s curiosity, to Adams loyalty to Eve, because Father offered to let him stay in the garden. You can also relate to Cain’s indignation toward his sibling, and with Father for forgiving in the end.
Q: While Children of Eden is a Biblical show, based on the book of Genesis, It has a universal and timeless message. What does this mean to you?
A: Mostly, this story, because it is universal, …what makes it universal is that it’s a story about family. The ups, the down, the good, the bad… family. We all go through the craziness that is family, whether big or small, family can be overbearing sometimes, but it is also that safe spot for you fall.
You can see Shani along with the rest of the talented cast of Children of Eden through July 31. Get more information and tickets here.