Free to be me in NYC.

Early spin class. I love sweating to the oldies.

Back home to do my due diligence so that I am able to escape to Broadway for a few precious hours.

Snagged an orchestra seat to the captivating new play, Eclipsed, starring Academy Award winner, Lupita Nyong’o.

The play sheds light on the harsh reality of what too many women still have to endure all over the world even in the 21st Century.

Eclipsed takes place in 2003 and tells the story of five young women near the end of the second Liberian Civil War. The play was inspired by a photograph of female fighters and their tale of survival.

Most of Eclipsed takes place in a small, one-room shack, where three of the women are being held by the Commanding Officer of a rebel faction of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy which aimed to depose Charles Taylor, president of Liberia in 2003.

The C.O. makes the women his “wives” and forces them to have sex with him whenever he wants it.

Surprisingly, there is plenty of warmth and humor even though the play examines the brutality and dehumanization of women during civil war.

The all female cast is astonishing.

In you are in the mood for substance, see Eclipsed. It is a must.

In need of libation, I headed to Landmarc to hang with my favorite bartender, Branca and meet up with friends.

Cheers to all the amazing women in the world. Crazy admiration for having the strength to deal with all of life’s challenges.

Eclipsed John Golden Theatre 252 West 45th Street New York. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Saycon Sengbloh, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, Pascale Armand. Director by Liesl Tommy and written by Danai Gurira who currently plays Michonne on AMC’s, The Walking Dead.. Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with 1 intermission.