Breathe. poster

About Breathe.

Written, performed & produced by Philicia Saunders

Directed & produced by Roger Q. Mason

Produced by Jessica Hanna

Running time: 1 hour, 9 minutes

Synopsis:

Breathe., written and performed by Philicia Saunders, is a form of art activism fusing live performance, cinema, performance art and artistic swimming in a hybridized narrative that could only be born during these challenging, yet galvanizing times. With the recent political, racial, and global unrest occurring throughout 2020, Philicia wrote and stars in this one-woman live theater show based on her life-changing personal journey towards activism after a chance trip to a Civil Rights monument, and mentorship by a luminary of activism, Sweet Alice Harris - one of Watts, CA's most beloved community organizers. Relevant to what's happening today, Breathe. is sure to spark discussion and action among viewers everywhere. It's about taking action. As Philicia learned from Sweet Alice: "You can't just be silent and stand in one place."

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Festival Selections & Awards

  • 26th Annual Webby Awards - Nominee for Video - Best Individual Performance

  • 43rd Annual People’s Telly Awards - Shortlisted for Best Online Show

  • Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival - Winner for Best Solo Show & Best Score

  • Los Angeles Black Film Festival - Official Selection

  • Toronto International Women Film Festival - Official Selection

  • Awareness Film Festival - Official Selection

  • Columbus Black International Film Festival - Audience Award Winner

  • New York Independent Cinema Awards - Official Selection

  • Baltimore International Black Film Festival - Official Selection

  • International Independent Film Awards - Gold Winner for Best Experimental and Best Actress

  • New York International Women Festival - Finalist

Reviews

REVIEWS

“Congratulations to Philicia on her deeply moving, beautifully performed piece of Breathe.! I laughed, I cried, I was so impressed in every aspect. Don't miss this transformative performance!”

–Audience Member

“Philicia was fantastic...she showed such depth of character in every setting...the production values were excellent for a show like this.”

–Joan Quinn, BHTV Cable Show

“I have no idea why this performance isn't an HBO or Showtime special? The LA Times and the bigger news outlets should make a big deal of it. It is by far one of the best live performances that I have seen in quite some time. It is a refreshing take on an all too familiar topic.”

–Osiris Munir, 15 Minutes Show

“The entire experience feels full and necessary, a thoughtful commentary on the inequities of the world we thought we knew but really never did. With artistic activism as her vehicle of choice, there is no doubt that Saunders will continue to make an impact with her voice.”

–Ellen Dostal, Broadway World

“I was often left breathless during the performance, emotionally-confronted by sadness and embarrassment over the sheer stupidity Saunders has encountered over the years.”

–Shari Barret, Stage Page