The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

CAST and crew members of a new stage play, “I Refuse To Die”, are getting set to pull back the curtains on story which intends to encourage and uplift people in their personal walk with God.

The play, which will be performed at the Believers Faith Outreach Ministries International multi-purpose facility on Carmichael Road, will have its premiere on March 28, with an encore performance on March 29.

The “I Refuse To Die” stage play is a comedy-drama about overcoming life’s greatest challenges. The play follows a successful young woman who is actively involved in her church and community. To others, the young woman’s life seems picture perfect. As a result, some jealous members of the community set out destroy her.

Things begin to spiral out of control, including the young woman’s her health. She later finds herself overcome by adversity to the point where she is left desperately fighting for survival.

“I Refuse To Die” is written and produced by Dr Mattie Nottage, who said she wants to help people to learn how to overcome challenges by trusting in God, regardless of misfortunes, and never giving up.

“I decided to host this real-life drama in order to share the profound insight of ‘I Refuse To Die’, which is a powerful theme heralding my life and personal testimony,” Dr Nottage told Tribune Religion.

“The drama is designed to explain how this powerful declaration became the anthem by which I survived some of my life’s greatest challenges. I further explain how I came to make a resolute decision that I was not going to give up or quit regardless of my adversities. My bold stance pushed me to fulfill the assignment that God placed upon my life.”

As in most of her stage plays, Dr Nottage said she also serves up laughter, but when the curtain closes she hopes people get something from the play they can apply to their daily lives.

“When people see this stage play I hope they can laugh beyond and see themselves as each hilarious scene unfolds. It is my intention that everyone watching this drama will have a life-changing experience and leave empowered with the mindset to live again. This stage play addresses powerful themes of empowerment and encouragement. It is entertaining, hilarious and a family-oriented production,” she said.

In the past, Dr Nottage has produced and directed numerous stage plays, including “Last Chance Transformation Academy”, “You Have A Choice In The Matter”, “Talitha Cumi - Damsel Arise!”, “Christmas In Da’ Ghetto”, “Dealing With Delilah”, “Fragile Heart”, “Chain Breakers” among others.

Dr Nottage is a respected international preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, life coach, playwright, author and revivalist. She is the president and founder of Mattie Notttage Ministries International, the Mattie Nottage School of Ministry, the Youth In Action Group and the Global Dominion Network Empowering Group of Companies.

Dr Nottage is married to Apostle Edison Nottage. Together they run the Believers Faith Outreach Ministries International in Nassau and Believers Faith Breakthrough Ministries International in South Florida.

She has ministered the gospel in places such as Ireland, Brazil, Africa, The Netherlands, throughout the US and the Caribbean. In addition to writing and producing plays, Dr Nottage is the author of “Breaking The Chains-From Worship to Warfare”.