Sick and Tired
Description
Written and performed by Diane L. Parker, Sick and Tired tells the story of the triumphs and tribulations of Mississippi voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. In 1962, Fannie Lou Hamer was 44 years old and could not vote. Despite health issues, poverty and educational limitations, she never gave up her dream to become a registered voter. Mrs. Hamer wanted that right and in her struggle to achieve it, she became a symbolic woman who inspired countless other Americans, those who met her and many who never did.
Winner of the 2017 Strawberry One Act Festival, Sick and Tired claimed awards for best play and best actress under the direction of Nicholas Orvis, www.nicholasorvis.com.
Testimonials
"Diane Parker was truly inspirational in her one woman show, Sick and Tired. In celebration of Fannie Lou Hamer's 100th birthday, Diane joined us at Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School and transformed into the civil rights leader right before our children's eyes. Diane captured the spirit and energy of Fannie Lou Hamer and sent shivers through the spines of those in her audience. To any and all institutions that are trying to instill the values of Fannie Lou Hamer, I highly recommend introducing your children to the experience that Diane Parker can bring!" Charles McLaughlin, Educator, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School http://www.sfacs.us/
"Diane is an exceptional facilitator, lecturer and performer with a gift for interchanging her many talents to keep us anticipating the intellectual and emotional apices to which she inevitably takes us. Her original one-woman show, Sick and Tired, is both great entertainment and an invaluable history lesson. Educational, religious, and civic organizations – as well as any group interested in bringing to life important aspects of American civil rights history – should insist on bringing it to their communities." Robert Naylor Robert Naylor Coaching and Consulting, LLC www.naylorcoaching.com
"I was moved to tears. Diane didn't play Fannie Lou Hamer... she became Fannie Lou Hamer. She embodied Ms. Hamer's passion, strength, pain, and spirit, and left it all on the stage for the audience to witness. A truly outstanding Five-Star performance that I hope she is able to continue and perform in bigger venues. Bravo Diane!" Arthur Gregory Pugh, Actor/Voiceover Talent www.arthurgregorypugh.biz
“I love the play Sick and Tired. Diane’s writing and her performance were powerful and riveting. I cried but it was also exhilarating. Hamer’s strength and determination came through beautifully.” Margaret Lichtenberg
"The history of the struggle for voting rights in America has many chapters, but one that should not be overlooked is the story of Fannie Lou Hamer. In ‘Sick and Tired,’ Diane L. Parker portrays Fannie Lou in such a powerful way that I was captivated from her first word." Mark Mooney
"Working with Diane as her technical manager on Sick and Tired was a breath of fresh air. She is professional, fun and inspiring. Diane's portrayal of Fannie Lou Hamer was phenomenal. She never disappoints on stage or behind the scenes." Yolanda Hamilton
"Diane Parker’s portrayal of Fannie Lou Hamer in the play Sick and Tired was one of those pure theatre experiences. From her performance and the writing, the audience leaves feeling and believing all the struggles this historical figure had to endure over time to earn the right to vote.” B. Shabi