Saturday, July 19, 2025, will forever be etched in the collective memory of the Israelite Nation Worldwide Ministries as the night when art, faith, and heritage converged in a spectacular theatrical production that left audiences breathless. “The Journey,” presented as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration, was a performance and transformative experience that transported viewers through time, space, and spiritual awakening.
A Production Born from Vision and Dedication
For twenty-one years, this remarkable sold-out production has graced stages in Toronto, New York, Virginia, St. Louis and the United Kingdom, but Saturday night’s performance reached unprecedented heights. Elder Shadrock Porter, the visionary writer, producer, and director behind “The Journey,” has crafted a masterpiece that continues to evolve and inspire. His meticulous attention to detail was evident in every carefully orchestrated scene, every precisely timed entrance, and every emotional crescendo that built throughout the evening. This was a masterclass in storytelling that honoured both artistic excellence and spiritual truth.
Behind the scenes, Stage Manager Tammy Powell-Malcolm orchestrated the complex production with seamless precision, ensuring that every transition flowed effortlessly and every technical element supported the powerful storytelling unfolding on stage.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Excellence
The evening showcased an extraordinary blend of emerging talent and seasoned performers. New participants took centre stage with remarkable confidence: Issachar Bennett, Shawn Quest, Nathanael Kennedy-Bissah, and Abi Bennett delivered performances so polished and compelling that audiences would never have suspected this was many of their first times performing at such a level. Abi Bennett’s haunting rendition of Billie Holiday’s powerful song “Strange Fruit” was particularly moving, her voice carrying the weight of history and emotion with stunning maturity and depth. Their natural stage presence and emotional depth demonstrated the rich pool of talent within the Nation’s community.
The production was elevated by the timeless elegance of Miss Sheryl Hughes, whose commanding presence brought gravitas to every scene she graced. The grace of Raychelle Fowler and Dana Benjamin provided moments of ethereal beauty that seemed to float across the stage. At the same time, Jaleesa Malcolm delivered an absolutely captivating performance that held audiences spellbound.
A particularly mesmerising moment came through Tamar Houlder’s enchanting dance, which wove movement and emotion into a visual poetry that spoke to hearts without words. Her graceful artistry added another dimension to the storytelling, creating moments of pure beauty that lingered in memory long after the curtain fell.
Frederick Malcolm: A Master at Work
Perhaps no performance was more anticipated or more powerfully delivered than Frederick Malcolm’s legendary portrayal of Marcus Garvey. Having embodied this iconic figure from the production’s inception twenty-one years ago, Malcolm has refined his interpretation to near-perfection. His unparalleled performance channelled the revolutionary spirit, intellectual brilliance, and determination of the great Pan-Africanist leader. With every gesture, every inflexion, and every passionate declaration, Malcolm didn’t just play Marcus Garvey—he became him, reminding audiences why this role has become synonymous with his name.
The Power of Ezekiel’s Vision
The emotional pinnacle of the evening came with the final scene depicting the Valley of Dry Bones from Ezekiel 37. This powerful biblical allegory has become the signature moment of “The Journey,” and Saturday night’s rendition proved why. As one moved audience member reflected, “This is the part that I came to see. I’ve seen it before several times, and I saw it again and still cried.” The scene’s profound spiritual impact, combined with masterful staging and performance, created a moment of collective catharsis that left barely a dry eye in the house.
A Global Mixture of Culture and Heritage
The production’s scope was breathtaking in its geographical and cultural breadth. Audiences journeyed from the ancient lands of Israel through various regions of West Africa, across the Atlantic to the Americas, and even allowed the audience to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. This narrative expanded the story’s reach and reminded viewers of the global diaspora that forms the fabric of the Israelite Nation’s identity.
Each cultural segment was rendered with authentic detail—from traditional garments that seemed to whisper stories of foreparents, to musical arrangements that carried the rhythms of distant homelands. The array of characters was compelling and diverse, representing the multifaceted journey of a people across continents and centuries.
Musical Excellence and Invisible Artistry
The evening’s musical landscape was nothing short of extraordinary. The band members, positioned strategically to remain unobtrusive during dramatic scenes, delivered a flawless performance that enhanced every moment without overwhelming the storytelling. Antonio Castrilli provided masterful piano accompaniment that anchored the musical foundation, while Elaine Belanger-Porter’s skilled organ playing added rich harmonic layers that elevated every musical moment. Their musical accompaniment was so seamlessly integrated that the audience experienced the rare pleasure of live music that felt both present and professional, with a deep understanding of the production’s flow.
A particularly remarkable highlight was Azariah Malcolm, the youngest member of both the band and the entire cast and crew, who commanded the drums throughout the whole production. His rhythmic mastery and unwavering consistency provided the heartbeat that drove the evening’s emotional journey. Watching such young talent demonstrate such professional excellence offered a glimpse into the bright future of the Nation’s artistic legacy.
Hearts on Stage: The Emotional Connection
What distinguished this performance from mere theatrical entertainment was the genuine emotion that flowed from every performer. The cast brought remarkable depth to their diverse roles—from Brian Ettienne’s compelling dramatic presence to powerful character portrayals that brought historical figures to life. The vocal performances were equally outstanding, with Asher Greenidge and Patricia Samms lending their voices to support moments of pure musical beauty that resonated throughout the auditorium.
The songs were felt, lived, and shared with an authenticity that resonated throughout the auditorium. Each performer brought their heart to the stage, creating an emotional connection with the audience that transcended the traditional performer-viewer relationship.
Audience as Participants
“The Journey” featured spectacular opportunities for audience participation, transforming passive viewers into active participants in the unfolding story. The audience didn’t just watch—they laughed with pure joy, cried with deep emotion, sang with united voices, and cheered with enthusiastic appreciation. This interactive element created a communal experience that reinforced the production’s central themes of unity, shared heritage, and collective destiny.
The evening culminated in a thunderous standing ovation that seemed to continue endlessly, as if the audience was reluctant to let the magic of the moment fade. It was more than appreciation for artistic excellence—it was reverence for a story that belonged to everyone in the room.
A Living Legacy
As the lights came up and the applause finally subsided, it was clear that Saturday night had witnessed something extraordinary. “The Journey” had once again proven its power to inspire, challenge, and unite. For those who experienced it, the production served as both a mirror and a window—reflecting their own stories while opening vistas to a more profound understanding of their heritage and purpose.
One attendee perhaps captured it best: “This wasn’t just a play—it was our heritage brought to life. It reminded me who I am, and why we are here.”
As the Israelite Nation Worldwide Ministries continues its 40th Anniversary Celebration, “The Journey” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith, the beauty of artistic expression, and the unbreakable bonds that unite a people across generations.
The echoes of Saturday night will resonate far beyond this anniversary weekend, inspiring conversations, awakening memories, and igniting dreams for the next forty years of the Nation’s remarkable journey.
History was not only remembered that night—it was made.
Elder Shadrock Porter