LATE: A LOVE STORY
A woman on a pilgrimage building bridges between people,
exchanging stories and some hard truths she learned too late.
Rachelle Zola first performed LATE at Theatre Y in Chicago on October 21st, 2023, and she is taking this show on the road. Her first stops will be within a 200-miles driving distance from Chicago. Please contact Rachelle at 720-609-9069 if you’d like to host a performance. She will then begin a walking pilgrimage on April 2nd. She will walk 10-15 miles each day, and perform wherever she finds a host, for whomever will join her. She has 754 miles to walk before she reaches Montgomery, Alabama - her destination.
"This is a love story. I’m sorry I’m so late! Before we get too far in, I think it is important to note that large parts of this evening are scripted. Kind of like a… play. As I will expand on, I see myself as a case study. A study of ignorance and what better way to expose myself and what I’ve learned than in theater where anything can happen. The play is planned, scripted, and how I got here is not. I am changing rapidly, as if layers are being shed."
"This is a wondrous and unexpected love story. A tribute to the many people who have opened their hearts - granting me entry into a world of love, into community, that I didn’t know existed. I can’t imagine my life without sharing this love story, so tonight I’m going to share the process with which not doing this became the scarier option."
- Rachelle Zola
Directed by Melissa Lorraine
Written by Rachelle Zola and Emily Bragg
Featuring the Voices of Many
Testimonials:
Rachelle Zola’s show is powerful, unique, challenging, raw and vulnerable. But those are just words. Watching the show made me feel connection, grief and hope. Rachelle’s journey reveals so much that is true for me and many people I know, particularly white folks confronting race in America. The way she weaves in a number of other stories (including mine!) is respectful and brings a rich tapestry of voices to be witnessed. I recommend bringing Rachelle to your community. You will grow in ways you can’t possibly predict. Andy
Late is the kind of art that troubles the water … stirs the soul …and awakens the spirit …I tossed and turned all night. Rachelle’s vulnerable sharing of stories invites her intimate audience to risk the same—cementing community and cocreating a transformative experience. And it’s such a unique and useful DEI approach. Imagine what’s possible if we all expand our circle of concern and listen to and care for each other as lovingly as she does! Susan
" A Love Story" is a unique approach to sharing the individual story of a white woman's journey of self-awareness, liberty, and loving human hearts that shared their stories of living with injustice and equities. As we hear about this personal journey the audience also learns how laws contribute to the injustice of the African American communities. It is a must-see if you are interested in learning through the powerful transformational experience of a white woman. Carmen
“Late: A Love Story” is the deeply moving chronicle of Rachelle Zola’s journey-in-progress. If the saying is true, that the work of the prophet is to comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable, hers is a prophet’s journey. On a mission to deepen her understanding of the lived experience of being Black in America, she meets people where they are, and offers a simple invitation: “tell me your story.” And then she listens – really listens – with intention, love, and humility. In “Late”, she invites us to open our ears and hearts to hear these powerful stories too, and dare to be changed as she has been changed. Mary S.
Rachelle Zola opens her heart as she explores the lessons she‘s learned from life. Her honesty lead me to reflect on the experiences I’ve had and how -- for better or worse — they’ve shaped the person I am today. Rachelle offers a heartfelt and revealing experience.” Laurie
In Late: A Love Story, community activist Rachelle Zola, takes us on a life journey from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood where, along the way, she realizes there is something/someone missing in her life that begs pursuit and demands greater purpose in her life. As she recounts her journey, a leap of faith into the community of North Lawndale, she begins to understand that, in order to feel complete, she must fill an empty space in her, crossing the great American barrier of racial discrimination and white privilege, and humbly inviting deep encounters with others, Black and white, who will challenge and encourage her to use her unique gifts and passion to educate and compassionately challenge others to realize that it is never too late to learn new ways to love... and be loved... for the transformation of our world. Larry
This is an incredibly powerful and vulnerable story. Rachelle shares part of her soul and there are opportunities for the audience to share theirs as well. As a white-identitfying person I was grateful and humbled to see a peek into my black sisters and brothers experiences. Rachelle Zola continues to show up tirelessly and creatively for racial and social justice by listening and weaving stories. Please show up and share with others to keep the love story alive. Rachel
Rachelle's bravery in sharing her story and her mission to bring her show to potentially resistant spaces is truly inspiring. Late: A Love Story represents Rachelle's genuine effort to understand the cultural struggles that many of us face because of systemic racism, societal structures and false narratives created by fear and hate. It reflects her earnest endeavor to create positive change with important but sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Rachelle approaches spaces with authentic curiosity and intentionality, translating her learnings into meaningful actions.
Hearing the different voices from individuals she encountered on her journey was incredibly impactful. These voices and photos that she shared painted a vivid picture of Rachelle's realization that these conversations needed a broader reach. The experience offered by her show is deeply appreciated, showcasing the power of vulnerability, curiosity, relationship building and a commitment to fostering understanding among different communities. I am so grateful I was able to be a part of this experience. Josh
How are we called to love each other in a racial climate that sometimes feels full of hate and harm? Love can feel naïve and lacking in any real power, but Rachelle shows us just the opposite. This honest love story is beautiful and powerful, touching, and funny. It is a tutorial for how to let go of fear and make a real difference in your own life and the lives of those around you. The opposite of love is not hatred, but indifference. Experience a story that rejects indifference, that chooses a path of love and listening, and opens a whole new world of loving transformation for each of us. John
Late: A Love Story is a one-woman performance that shows the courage of Rachelle Zola to step beyond personal trauma and her white privilege upbringing to reach out to an array of people with African heritage. The second half is especially inspiring for those of us who want to heal a broken world. Mary H.
