LIFECYCLE OF A BLACKBERRY is an original LFL show starring Morgan M. Younge which honors the stories of Black Appalachian women and girls, using as inspiration the books Blackberries, Blackberries, Birds of Opulence, and Perfect Black, written by Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal E. Wilkinson. By lifting up these voices and sharing these unique stories through theatre, we fight stereotypes, reflect some of the most under-heard stories of the Appalachian region, and create a powerful ripple effect of empathy and understanding. Through this shared experience, we can build a stronger community rooted in trust, equity, and justice.
Audiences from the March 2024 premiere described this show as multi-faceted, enlightening, heart-warming, empowering, moving, emotional, ingenious, eye-opening, extraordinary, inspiring and poignant. Theatre reviewer Keith Waits, of Arts Louisville, wrote: "Lifecycle of A Blackberry is one of the fullest and most complex explorations of the identity of Black women I’ve encountered.. . . Watching Morgan M. Younge occupy the stage in this profoundly moving one-woman show, one is keenly aware of stereotypes being turned inside out, upside down, and entirely exploded." Since its premiere, it has had various performances in the region.