A pair of paper wings won’t get you very far these days. Unless, you are a child who, without a moment’s hesitation, is willing to don those makeshift props in order to fly through the sky with the Beautiful Woman. Then, you are welcomed into a land of enchantment where your mission is to discover the perpetual secrets of our world.
In the theatrical production “The Beautiful World”, amazingly, children do just that. The show, an interactive production filled with singing, dancing, magic and more, is an appealing one that focuses on character education. By way of an adventurous journey, children have the opportunity to meet an amazing group of characters; Beautiful Woman, Universal Unity, Earthyrium, Queen Esteem and Yoshdinni are just a few. Each brings with him an uplifting message that teaches children to value themselves, each other and the community.
For the past eight years, Erik Gholson Williams has been working to create this show, his show. It all started with a single character born into his imagination. Then another character arrived on the scene, and soon another, and then several more. However, these weren’t just ordinary personalities. As Williams worked to develop their essence, he unveiled the best in each of them.
Now, as they come to life onstage, they are vivacious, colorful, friendly and loveable. Larger than life, they simply capture the audience’s attention. With this accomplished, they can gently and playfully communicate their message: We do indeed live in a Beautiful World!
Although children of all ages (and adults, too) can easily enjoy the play, Williams’ target audience is preschoolers. Therefore, the show also has a strong teaching component, focusing largely on language and motor skill development. And while “The Beautiful World” can stand alone as a theatrical production, Williams’ ultimate goal is to create a television series based on the play. (He already has two episodes in the can.)
To aid him in fulfilling this ambition, after receiving his college degree in business, Williams returned to school and got another degree in television production. His newfound knowledge and insight helped him to further revamp his show; he even utilized focus groups to aid him in the process. Then, he also collaborated with educators to increase the show’s feasibility.
This spring, Williams plans to beginning pitching his idea to television executives. He is ready to launch his series. Whatever lies ahead, the years of hard work and dedication have demonstrated that Williams is in it for the long haul.
Yet, there is one marked difference in Williams’ story.
He has done all of this from his wheelchair; as a quadriplegic, it’s the only way he can get around.
Perhaps it is fair to say that out of the darkness, sprang forth the light.
In Williams’ case, the darkness was a car accident he had fourteen years ago. After being in a coma for three weeks, he awoke to find himself, at the age of 26, a quadriplegic. It is not difficult for him to recall the deep depression that he experienced.
It would have been much easier to give up.
Yet, Williams took a different path. Armed with his mother’s encouragement, an exceptional rehabilitation center, and a heart full of prayer, his path has led him on a redeeming journey.
The light, is indeed, his spirit. A spirit manifested in his play.
“We all have this incredible strength inside of us, when we need to call upon it,” he said.
After his accident, Williams said he had to rebuild himself. He had to figure out who he was, redefine himself, come to terms with his role in life, as well as his relationships with others. Self-esteem was a paramount issue that he had to face.
In the process, Williams learned an inordinate amount.
“The tools I give to children (through the play) are the same tools I used to rebuild myself, “ he said. “Now, I have the opportunity to share. In the beautiful song of life, I want to be that positive note.”
(“The Beautiful World” is at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood 91601. Limited engagement on Sundays: February 27, March 20 & 27 at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. For additional information regarding Erik Williams and Project Love click here or visit "The Beautiful World" website.)
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