Dr. Mica Battle will see her story of redemption come to the stage with “Some Sort of Saint” (Photo Provided).
In the quiet moments of reflection, when the weight of her past bore heavily upon her, Mica Battle, a 2022 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence nominee, never imagined her life would be transformed into a theatrical production. A woman of indomitable spirit, she had weathered storms that would have broken many. From the harrowing depths of addiction to the confines of prison, Mica’s journey was one of struggle and redemption.
Starting Friday, Aug. 2, “Some Sort of Saint,” a play based on her life, will debut at the Definition Theatre in Hyde Park and run through Aug. 11.
Initial Skepticism
When the proposal for the play was first presented, Battle met it with skepticism. Her life had always been an open book. She is a natural storyteller, recounting her experiences with an honesty as raw as it is compelling. Yet, the notion of seeing her story brought to life on stage seemed a distant reality.
“I just took that with a grain of salt,” Mica recalled. “I’ve been telling my story forever, you know, before it even got to this place, and so, I probably didn’t take it as serious as it is.”
The Pivotal Moments
As the reality of the production set in, Battle’s thoughts returned to the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. The loss of her husband in 1991 left her devastated and alone, struggling to raise three young children. The tragedy exacerbated her drug use as she sought to numb the pain that threatened to consume her. The road to recovery was arduous, marred by relapses and moments of despair. After a run-in with the law, she would serve 10 years in prison.
A Shift in Perspective
While inside, Battle’s perspective on life shifted dramatically. “Being behind bars, you have dreams. You want to come out and do well,” she mused. The stark reality of her incarceration became an eye-opener. Once considered a bright child with a promising future, she found herself an inmate with a number, her dreams seemingly shattered. But it was within those prison walls that Battle began to rebuild her life, one step at a time.
“I was looking reality in the face for the first time in my life, and I was like, ‘I got to make the best out of a bad situation.'”
Embracing Redemption
Battle started attending school, participating in programs and connecting with people with long-term sentences actively involved in positive activities.
“I followed them, and they showed me a road to recovery, especially redemption,” she said, “I embraced it all and soaked it up like a sponge.”
Pursuit of Education
After her time inside, she immersed herself in education, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and a doctorate in organizational management and leadership. The support of a prison chaplain played a crucial role in her recovery, guiding her toward a path of redemption and purpose.
“Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed,” Battle said, quoting from John 8:36, a verse that resonated deeply with her newfound faith and determination.
A Testament to Resilience
Despite the challenges, her resilience shone through. Her work with Bridge to Freedom, a non-profit dedicated to supporting returning citizens, became a testament to her commitment to giving back. She helped others navigate the craggy path of reentry, offering hope and guidance to those who, like her, sought a second chance.
Collaboration During COVID-19
The collaboration with playwrights Linda Bright Clay and James Crumb began during the downtime of the COVID-19 pandemic. James, recognizing the power of Battle’s story, proposed transforming her experiences into a play. What started as casual storytelling sessions evolved into a full-fledged production, capturing the essence of her struggles and triumphs.
‘Some Sort of Saint’ Emerges
Actor Ti-Nicole Danridge plays Mica Battle in “Some Sort of Saint” (Photo Provided).
“Some Sort of Saint” became a reality, as a play and a living testimony. It highlights resilience and emergence, the possibility of redemption and the unwavering belief in a higher power. The play, directed by TaRon Patton, is intended to inspire change, shedding light on the often-overlooked narratives of those impacted by the justice system.
For Battle, the play was bittersweet. It brings back difficult memories, yet it also showcases her remarkable metamorphosis. As audiences watch her life unfold on stage, they will witness the raw pain and ultimate triumph that defines her existence.
“God is real. Redemption is real. And hope is alive,” Battle proclaimed, encapsulating the essence of her message.
Now, her life’s story is poised to prove that amid struggle, perseverance, prayers, faith and hope is the attainment of what is possible.
For More Information
Who and What: “Some Sort of Saint” directed by TaRon Patton and written by Linda Bright Clay and James Crumb, starring Ti-Nicole Danridge, Anahkah Sims, Rita Wicks, Veronda Carey, Dyamone Hopkins, Jordan Gail Brown, Jonathan Daniel Boyden, Willie Round, Stephen Wilkes, Shenise Brown, Maisha Carter and Chris Taylor.
Where: Definition Theatre (1160 E 55th St., Chicago)
When: Friday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 11
Ticket and Show Info: Run Time is 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets start at $25.00 and are available online at bridge2freedom.org/play. All ticket sales and donations will benefit Bridge to Freedom (B2F), a prison reentry non-profit founded by Dr. Mica Battle. It supports returning citizens with housing, jobs and life skills to ensure they don’t return to the prison system.
What Else: Definition’s box office + lobby opens one hour before curtain times. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show begins.
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