ELIZABETHTOWN — A Bladen County author can now add playwright to her list of credentials. Marjorie Lewis has completed writing her first play titled “The Sweet, Sweet Smell of Freedom” and is now preparing to hold auditions for roles.

Auditions are planned for Saturday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 103 E. Broad St. in Elizabethtown. Lewis said there are roles available for ages 8 to 35 years old.

Lewis said that the process of writing the play took time.

“It took a year, on and off, to write the play,” said Lewis.

She said the idea for the play came from her two books – “Pain No More” and “Pain No More 2.” The books and play are based on Lewis’ experience as a survivor of domestic violence.

Lewis said the experience of writing the books and the play was cathartic.

“Even though I had healed prior to that, writing about it was more healing. It was like a burden had been lifted off of me,” said Lewis. “It was a chapter of my life that is finally closed. It was a good healing process.”

Lewis said that the process of writing was not easy. She said at times it was painful reliving the memories, but that knowing that her work could potentially help someone was comforting.

She added that she does not want anyone to be in an abusive situation and if they are, Lewis wants them to understand that they can leave the situation and there is help available.

Lewis said that when people learn about her ordeal dealing with domestic violence, they are surprised.

“People will tell me, ‘I never knew you went through that,’” said Lewis.

The play is set to be performed on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Bladen Community College auditorium. Lewis anticipates tickets for the show will go on sale sometime in August.

For information, contact Lewis at 910-729-9577.

Staff report