Another Sign: A Theatrical Journey Through Homelessness
Another Sign is Foodies Care’s upcoming theatrical production that brings the realities of homelessness to life through the power of storytelling. This impactful play weaves together narratives of struggle, resilience, and hope, highlighting the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and inspiring action within our community.
The Plot
Act I
Walking home one afternoon, 12-year-old Anne, and her grandfather, George, come upon a homeless young boy named Taylor. After Anne attempts to give Taylor a $5 bill gifted to her by her grandfather, George expresses his dissatisfaction with her and the entire homeless population of their city. Shortly thereafter, the homeless have their say, as do Taylor and his mother, Elizabeth.
Five years later, after having not seen Taylor for some time, Anne runs into him on the street. Now a street musician, Taylor has been on his own since his mother died and he decided to leave the foster home system in favor of the streets. Anne treats Taylor to dinner, and they connect, having both lost their parents early in their lives. Taking a deeper interest in his life, Anne insists that Taylor introduce her to his homeless friends — his “family” — under the bridge where he lives. Taylor reluctantly obliges, introducing her to three comical card-playing gambling addicts and the matriarch of the bridge-dwellers, Lady Rita, a woman who had her home and child taken from her earlier in her life.
While spending time together, their attraction grows quickly, and Anne invites Taylor to dinner with her grandparents. Again, he reluctantly agrees. Dinner goes awry, with George expressing his anger that Anne has been spending time with the city’s homeless, people he directly blames for their own condition. Taylor, uncomfortable to say the least, flees. Anne and George argue, and Anne subsequently packs her bags and runs away to take up with Taylor beneath the bridge.
Act II
Upset but energized, Anne tries to find her way to Taylor. Taylor, still angry about the disastrous dinner earlier that evening, accuses Anne of setting him up in order to change her grandfather’s worldview. They have a falling out, and Anne runs off into the darkness where she is accosted, badly beaten and robbed. Taylor comes to her aid and brings her to the local homeless shelter to receive medical treatment from a friend of his, Nurse Maria.
The next morning, George engages in a frantic search for Anne. Along the way he meets the gamblers, Lady Rita and a disabled Desert Storm veteran, Hank, all of whom help George gain a better understanding of what puts people on the streets. Rita guides George to the shelter where, after some inner struggle, he reconciles with Anne and apologizes to Taylor. Sadly, aging Rita, stressed from the long walk to the shelter, suffers a heart attack and dies in a shelter bed. The events rattle Taylor, who decides he must leave town to break what he believes is a destructive cycle, which began a long time ago — when his mother died and he was left alone.
Taylor tells Anne of his plan … and that it doesn’t include her. Hurt, Anne realizes her own idealism stood in the way of her own relationships with both Taylor and her grandfather. Both Taylor and Anne part ways, sad but hopeful for the future and the possibilities it brings.
Why Another Sign Matters
Homelessness is more than a statistic—it’s a deeply human experience. Through Another Sign, we aim to amplify the voices of those often unheard, fostering empathy and understanding while driving awareness about this critical issue.
How You Can Support the Play
Attend the Premiere
Be among the first to experience this powerful production.
Spread the Word
Share Another Sign with your networks to spark meaningful conversations.
Support the Cause
Your contributions help bring this production to life and fund initiatives for the unsheltered.
The play is currently in development, and we’re excited to share updates on its progress. Check back soon for details about the premiere, ticket sales, and how you can get involved in this artistic journey of compassion and advocacy.
