About Spiritual Shackles

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Exploding out of dramatic images of unexplained church fires, Shackles is etched deep in the faces of its players; from maids, chauffeurs and preachers, to Panthers, Muslims and Black Nationalist. The story is riveted with real events from Juneteenth and Black pride rallies to city riots and spiritual conversions. Spiritual Shackles also blends music, dance and foods with suspenseful storytelling as it stalks urban churches, beauty parlors, barbershops, and nightclubs; but can just as suddenly disappear into rugged mountains, steep canyons, and tropical rain forests.

Spiritual Shackles rides the energy of an extraordinary foster-home family. This episodic story moves through the lives of five children as they grow from infancy into adults; children who by coincidence or destiny, are brought together in the home of reclusive, yet beautifully mysterious woman that cherishes African spiritual beliefs. With these beliefs imparted, these "divine children" move on to become avant-garde players during turbulent times, challenging established attitudes and the status quo, questioning everything, including bedrock religious beliefs. This journey through conflicting ideas intertwines smoothly with a suspenseful love affair that is richly anchored in ancient African lore.

And it is the agony and bliss of love that weaves the interlocking pieces of Shackles together, a love affair that raises above all other intrigue as it hopscotches generations and unfolds in a tragic destiny. Spiritual Shackles strips naked the soul and emotions of a people like never before.