Alisha’s Light – Forever 57, Alisha Richard

Winner of the 2026 San Diego Fringe Outstanding Drama Award, Alisha’s Light – Forever 57 takes the audience on a journey through Alisha’s magical first year of living authentically. Combining theatrical storytelling and original poetry, Alisha brings to life pivotal conversations with her loved ones that reinforced her own self-acceptance. Her story demonstrates the transformational power of embracing strengths, facing fears and pursuing dreams. Starting with a decision to seek a little bit of happiness on the eve of her 57th birthday Alisha morphed from a reserved prose writer, who feared rejection, into a gregarious performer eager to face the instant judgement that defines poetry slams. Alisha convinces the audience it’s never too late to ask: “What small change can help unlock my best self?” “Alisha’s Light—Forever 57, written and performed by Alisha Richard, is a courageous, moving, and compelling solo work that presents key moments from Alisha’s life, focusing on her gender-confirmation journeyAlisha’s recitation of her poetry is powerful, convincing, and honest, reflecting the voices of people who question and challenge the normalcy of violence, bigotry, cruelty, and judgmentalism. Yet negativity and denial caused by sociocultural pressure are overcome by a strong sense of who she is: ‘the “beautiful woman whom I didn’t know I was meant to meet.’” Yuko Kurahashi, Theatre & Art Critic, Professor Emeritus Theater, Kent State Audience praise: “Her performance was a master class in emotional courage. Alisha didn’t just tell stories from her life; she opened them up, walked us through their shadows, and let us feel the weight and tenderness of each moment.” — Doug Cooper, Author & Motivational Speaker “It would be hard to describe this show on its face and sell it: half poetry slam, half personal memoir; a poet who isn’t an actor, who’s new to performing making her debut with a whole new way of presenting her writing.” — Sarah LeClair, Founder, Riot Productions “From the moment Alisha stepped onto the stage, the audience was captivated. Her performance was not just a recounting of personal experiences but an invitation into a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and joy.” — Sunny Rey, Founder Poets Underground “This is a raw, vulnerable, true-life story of one woman’s brave journey to live authentically There is something here for everyone” — Alex A “What holds us back from living our truth, and what are the consequences? Alisha sheds Light on the subject!” — Rita M “Intimate in the telling, moving in the performance, Alisha’s Light — Forever 57 is an hour-long journey into an individual experience that holds a universal story. Through spoken-word and imaginative staging, Alisha Richard shares large and small moments of change that transformed her life, and in turn, causes us to reflect on our own lives. How we live, who we are when we are true to ourselves—finding joy. This is the feeling I left the performance with: joy. Alisha IS light.” — Judy R “A beautiful and heartfelt love letter to her authentic self. I admire Alisha’s courage in today’s political climate”. — Alfred G Credits Written by – Alisha Richard Directed by – Wilfred Paloma About the Artist Alisha Richard began living authentically as a woman in early 2023. After writing prose for decades, her transition inspired a venture into poetry and spoken word performance to share her journey. A gifted storyteller, in 2025, she became a theater kid at age 59. Over the past 18 months, she has performed in four professionally-staged productions as well as debuting and refining her own story: “Alisha’s Light”. Alisha has performed up and down the California coast, won multiple poetry slams and was selected as the featured poet in a 2024 anthology earning a $500 prize and six headline opportunities. Her work strives to break down barriers and stigma while showing others the joy of living onesʹ truth and inspiring them to seek out their best selves. Facebook Instagram Accessibility Content warnings: Coarse language; Mentions, themes, or depictions of sexualized violence against minors. Sensory warnings: Audience interaction and/or participation. Know before you go, learn about this venue with our Venue Guide. For more accessibility information see the Accessibility at the Fringe page on our website.