
One-night stands aren't typically my cup of tea, although I've sipped from them once or twice in my adult life.
To me, sex is far more enjoyable when there is a connection involved that supersedes animal magnetism and typically, they haven't been that memorable for me because of that missing ingredient if I'm being completely honest. My first one-night stand was years ago when I was a sophomore at State. I remember being in a hurry because I wanted to get some necessities for my fridge in lieu of the blizzard that was on its way. I was walking towards my building when I saw one of my friends and her line brother talking in the corridor.
I laughed and was taken aback to realize it was David*, a very tall, dark, and handsome brother who had been the apple of my eye back in high school but did not give me the time of day romance-wise. I knew he was a student there, but the fact that he was a year ahead of me, on a different academic track, and our campus being massive, the odds of us running into one another were slim. But all of a sudden, there we were, on the eve of a huge snowstorm, in each other's line of sight, both of us now swans after graduating from our awkward teen years. “You live in Building A?" he asked. I nodded, “Wanna come up?" He looked surprised by my forwardness, but I had left a long-term relationship with my ex 6 ½ months prior and cobwebs were becoming a reality. “Yeah," dimples sinking in, as his mouth spread to welcome his smile. And if I had any doubts, that look did me in.
It began so awkwardly because there were some erection issues due to nerves. He let me know that his ex had been the only girl he had ever been with so he had some anxiety. I could relate, technically, I was in the same boat. I calmed him by embracing him and allowing us to just kiss and slow things down for a minute. And when he finally did become “awake", the size of him was something to be intimidated by. All 9 ½ inches of him. It was definitely a night to remember, so good in fact, I had to call him a few times after, again and again.
One-night stands receive their share of flack in the dating world where modesty and withholding are more praised, but I think there's no denying attraction, connection, or chemistry. And sometimes even the most rigid boundary breaks underneath the gaze of the right man or woman. I've been there. I was curious to know how common one-night stands were among women and men of all ages and cultural backgrounds, so I asked 5 people to share their one-night stand encounters with me. Here's how it went.
Kelly*: "I felt surprisingly sensual after my one-night stand"
“I was at a Fourth of July event and was really excited about it because the summertime is my favorite season and Independence Day acts as a peak to that holiday-wise. All these beautiful black people come out and danced shamelessly while indulging in the 'que. It was awesome. There was this guy in particular that I liked. He had incredible swag, these Clark Kent glasses, untidy locs, milk chocolate skin, and board shorts with this open flannel to show the world his washboard abs. The attraction was instant. Being the photographer that I was, I snapped a few photos of him before engaging in conversation about music and positive thinking. Then I said goodbye to take photos of other people and things at the park. He kept finding me though, but I wasn't about to put myself out there until he did so himself. I jokingly inquired about when he'd slide into my DMs since we had exchanged Instagram information moments before. It would take a few days, but late into the booty call hours, I texted him and asked him if he wouldn't to come to my place. We had sex. He was intense and passionate, and I felt adored even though we hadn't known each other for long. I thought it would be 'just sex' but, 10 months later and we're still dating each other.Sex with a one-night stand in one word to me is: sensual and surprisingly so. I had never had a one-night stand before him; I always stayed away from it because the connotation behind it. I didn't want to be that girl and I felt like maybe men would come at me wrong in bed if I was just doing a onetime thing versus being a significant other, but I think everything depends on the person. He and I were interested before we had sex, so the interest only amplified afterwards, and now my one-night stand is my lover and my best friend. I don't think I'd run towards one in the future, but I wouldn't knock it either because shit surprises you. I definitely was."
Nancy*: "I felt renewed after my one-night stand"
“I'm not against one-night stands, but I'm not exactly for them either. I think with anything, it's the sort of thing that can be situational so it has conditions, it has exceptions. I've had a few in my day, especially in between husbands or monogamous relationships. You get lonely. You want to feel desirable for a night, maybe break away from your reality. My most recent one was within the past year since I'm between husbands again (laughs). I remember having this day of mundane routine that made me really want to do something to shake it up a bit. I had kids this time around, which I didn't after my first marriage ended, so I was in this mama bear, superwoman role and I just wanted to feel like myself for a night. I was always attracted to one of my guy friends who I have known for decades but never had the courage to let him know or whenever I did, the timing was just wrong – different relationships, you know how that goes. He had these Paul Newman blue eyes that I adored and this dirty sense of humor that always made me feel like I was doing something I shouldn't be doing in the best way.
He was physically attractive, he had his shit together, we got along well – but dating would mean losing a friend if it goes wrong and with my track record, it's a distinct possibility. I invited him over one weekend when my ex had the kids and said that whatever happened could be no strings attached, I just wanted to feel like me again. And I did. He made me feel like I was a young again, like I had no worries or concerns, no obligations, and he made me feel like I was the sexiest thing he had ever been inside of. It was everything to me at that time.
Sex with a one-night stand for me is: renewal. The afterglow sits on your skin differently. And it's not awkward or anything between us. It's like our little secret when we give each other lingering looks sometimes while having drinks with friends. I think if he wasn't so great of a friend, I'd call him again or pursue something more, but at my age, I know the reality of what happens when relationships end sometimes. So that'd be my reason not to pursue a one night stand. I think some moments are meant to be just that, a moment."
Dre: "I felt there was nothing but problems after my one-night stand"
“I don't believe in one-night stands. I have a type of girl I'd rather be with and with that girl, I have to have a solid relationship with. I'm old fashioned in that way. Having said that, I have done it before, I just don't think I'd do it again. I was around 20 when I had my first and only one-night stand. I remember it because I went against what I normally do on dates and it ended kind of crazily because she and I were on two different pages. I was set up on a date by a homegirl and although the girl was nice, I didn't really see it going anywhere because she wasn't who I typically went for. We didn't really hit it off like that, but back at her place, a few drinks in, we both loosened up quite a bit, and I could feel an attraction there. I didn't necessarily come there looking for sex, but we ended up kissing, and I didn't try to push it away so obviously I found her desirable in some way or another. I think that one-night stands tend to imply 'just sex' and it was definitely something I thought was mutually understood, but she believed it would be a more than just that night thing. I don't think one-night stands kill relationship potential for everyone, but for me, it does. I prefer a challenge, and there was nothing challenging about that situation, plus I wasn't feeling her like that really.Sex with a one-night stand in one word for me would be: problematic. Communication is important and I learned it more deeply that night because for about a week, she chased me and the possibility of moving forward with a relationship. I just wasn't feeling her like that. Too often, we get sex and emotion confused, but I think in a scenario like that, I wonder, how could there be emotion if I just met you that night and you let me hit it? So yeah, problematic is how I'd describe one night stands."
Tiffany: "I felt free after my one-night stand"
“I feel like everyone should have a one-night stand at least once in their lives. I've had several. There's something exhilarating about having sex with a perfect stranger. There's risk involved that intrigues me. Of course, I wrap it, but the fact that you're going to your place or going to his place or a hotel and you don't even know this person's last name, the thrill of that conquer turns me on. It's an aphrodisiac to me. My most recent one was the end of January. It was the top of the year and I hadn't had sex yet for the year, so I said to myself, 'Self get back in the game'. I put on my sexiest dress, my favorite fragrance, and headed to happy hour at a local hotel. I was having a particularly stressful week at work, I remember, and that's one of my favorite ways to relieve stress: sex. He was a stranger. For me, when it comes to picking someone, it's about chemistry. I feel like if we click in our conversation, when our bodies do the talking, we should be able to click, too. Sometimes, it's a miss, but most of the time, it's a hit. This man was older, newly divorced, traveling for work. His head was bald but he had this salt and pepper goatee that I really liked. So there was some attraction there and as for conversation, he was able to sweep me off my feet and nothing was off the table. He kept our drinks coming. And from there, we went upstairs to his room and had an incredible night. When you don't care about the person, all inhibitions are nonexistent and I like that. There's no protest when I ask to be choked or bound by the hands or if I ask to be called a name.A one-night stand in one word to me would be: freeing. I had an orgasm from this man and didn't have to follow up with a call or text. That's free."
Chantal*: " I felt adventurous after my one-night stand"
“One-night stands are amazing. I'll be honest though, they aren't necessarily predecessors to long term relationships, but they don't prevent them either. I've had a lot throughout the years, a few have led to long relationships, the majority of them fizzled as quickly as the sun came up the next morning. I have them intentionally when I'm traveling. I spend a lot of time traveling for pleasure as a writer, so that takes me from place to place abroad – sometimes for days, sometimes weeks, sometimes months. I never know where I'm going next, so one-night stands are how I get my pleasure of another kind in there during my travels (laughs). I meet the most interesting people with the most interesting stories and I fall in love over and over again with the men I encounter.
My last one was in France. I liked the way it sounded when he said my name. It sounded like a song. A prospect for me has to be physically attractive, mentally attractive, and there has to be something about him that gives me butterflies in my stomach. It's always different and that's what I like about it. I never get bored, there's never a routine. On the flipside, it can be kind of emptying, but it depends on what I'm seeking from my encounters. If I go in there looking for validation, I'll come up short. But if it's for experience, I have the best sex. He was so talented with his tongue. It's to be expected right? There have been times that I've wanted more out of a one-night stand, but the thing about my job, the thing about being American, is I don't want to put forth any additional effort to maintain a relationship halfway across the globe. I just don't. It can be kind of detaching, but I have dreams. I have plans.
Sex with a one-night stand is adventurous to me. It comes close to going somewhere new, experiencing new things is one of life's most natural highs, pair that with sex and you have ecstasy."
*Names have been changed for anonymity
Have you ever had sex with a one night stand? What was it like? Would you do it again? Let's share stories below!
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Your May 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Blooming Softly & Trusting Divine Timing
May is about being patient, nurturing your dreams, and creating beauty in your world. This is a more stable and generous month than the chaos that April brought, and we get an opportunity for closure, healing, and rejuvenation this month. We are still amid some important retrograde transits, but these are ones we can navigate better by grounding our energy in the present moment, and not allowing ourselves to stress over the what-ifs.
With the Sun in Taurus for most of the month, May reminds us that there is beauty in finding your peace and not allowing anyone to disrupt that.
Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth and seeing the beauty in your life.
This Full Moon is all about letting go of what doesn’t feel authentic or resonate with you emotionally, and about experiencing more closure and healing within relationship matters.
Your May 2025: A Monthly Overview
Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and we enter air sign energy, which is good for communication, business, and coming up with inspiring and new ideas. On May 24, Saturn enters Aries, beginning its new transit where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn in Aries is bold, direct, and straightforward, but so are its lessons. There is a gift in resilience and finding your strength during this time, and this transit will show you where your power is, but it may challenge you to confront self-limiting behavior in the process.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 25, and Mercury loves being here. Mercury in Gemini is the creative genius, and this is a month of aligning yourself with this energy. On May 26, we have a New Moon in Gemini, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want a communication breakthrough in your life, and what new ideas you want to start planting the seeds for. This is a good New Moon for networking, exchanging ideas, having more fun, and getting inspired.
Article continues after the jump.
May 2025 Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Keep reading for your sun, moon, and rising sign below to see what May has in store for you.
ARIES
The impact from April is finally behind you, and you get to move forward this month, Aries. After a month of retrogrades and Eclipses, you are starting to see the progress of what you have been working towards financially this year. The Sun is in your 2nd house of abundance, self-confidence, and values this month, and you are putting your dreams here first.
With Venus also in Aries for the entire month of May, you are feeling the support within and without this month, and this is a beautiful month unfolding.
On May 24, Saturn enters your sign, beginning its transit in Aries, which will last for the next few years. Saturn is the master of tough love, and you are going to be learning a lot about yourself during his time and going through a growth spurt. The New Moon of May is at the end of the month on May 26 and will be giving you the answers and clarity you have been looking for, highlighting open communication in your life. Overall, this is your month of fewer obstacles and more progress.
TAURUS
Taurus Season is officially underway, and you are the main character right now, Taurus. Remember that. This month is about trusting your intuition and the timing of things, and knowing that things are working in your favor. With Venus, your ruling planet, in your 12th house for the month, you are seeking a lot of closure and culmination right now and are healing what was. Mercury enters your sign from May 10 until May 25, and it’s all about the perspectives you are gaining right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and get down to the bottom of things that have been worrying you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of partnership, and you are closing the door on what has not been working for you in love. You are seeing the clarity of what you need within your emotional world and how you want to navigate the changes you have been through here now.
GEMINI
May is a new beginning for you, Gemini. You have a lot of energy and vitality with you this month, and you are ready to accomplish some personal goals and intentions of yours. For most of the month, the Sun is in your house of closure and healing, and you are finding yourself rejuvenated from the transformations you have been through. Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and with the Sun in your sign, nothing is holding you back from shining and living in your truth right now.
On May 25, Mercury enters Gemini until June 8, and Mercury loves being in your sign, as this is your planetary ruler.
Mercury in Gemini is forward-thinking, quick, and intelligent. You are coming up with solutions to previous challenges or obstacles, and overcoming something that has felt restrictive mentally. Before the month ends, there is a New Moon in Gemini on May 26, and this New Moon is one of the best times of the year for you to set your intentions and manifest your dreams. Remember you are worthy of what you are setting out to accomplish this month, Gemini.
CANCER
Cancer, this month requires you to slow down, take care of your health, and allow things to come to fruition the way they are meant to. There is a chance you could be overthinking more than usual this month, and you are being reminded that there is only so much that is in your control, and to give yourself some more grace. The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 12 will help you gain a little more clarity of the heart and is going to be a time of feeling the love and appreciation in your life.
Saturn enters your 10th house of career on May 24, remaining here over the next few years, and you are getting an opportunity to grow and discover where you may have been limiting yourself professionally, socially, or within your aspirations in life. This time is all about reminding yourself that you deserve recognition for the work you do, but that you must also be the one believing in yourself as well. On May 12, there is a New Moon in your house of emotional healing, and you are seeing the gifts of alone time, safe spaces, and tending to your creative inklings at the end of the month.
LEO
This month is an opportunity for a new beginning in love and progress within your emotional world, Leo. You are learning to trust your intuition more, and you are putting more of your energy into your heart’s desires. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of the month, you are shining in your truth and remaining confident in your goals in life.
Venus is in your house of adventure for the entire month, and this is a good time for experiencing romance while traveling or getting out of your comfort zone a little.
Saturn makes a significant move from Pisces into Aries at the end of the month and enters your 9th house. With Saturn here, you will be learning more about what mental growth and clarity mean to you, and this is a good time to dedicate yourself to higher education, traveling, gaining a new perspective, and honoring your integrity and values. The New Moon of the month is on May 26, creating magic within your friendships and community.
You are leaving this month with hope in your heart and new plans for the future.
VIRGO
May is a month of abundance and fruition for you, Virgo. Your dreams and intentions are coming to fruition, and you are owning that which you have created for yourself. With Venus in Aries, this is a good time for seeing support in your life financially, dedicating yourself to your commitments and responsibilities, and seeing the gifts in that. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and this is an intuitive time for you, giving you the strength needed to close the chapter on what you don’t resonate with anymore.
On May 24, Saturn enters your house of shared finances, rebirth, intimacy, and resources, and over the next few years, you will be learning the importance of connecting with people who truly have your best interest at heart, and not committing to what feels unstable. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your house of career, and this is a good time to manifest and set your intentions for where you want to see professional growth in your life.
Overall, May is about embracing your freedom while honoring the people and connections that help you grow and make you feel more secure in life.
LIBRA
This is a month of feeling empowered and ready to take on anything that comes your way, Libra. You are inspired by the progress you are making in your life right now, and with Venus in your 7th house of love, you are being well-received. This is a month of finding your balance between your path and the growth of your relationships, and there is a sense of support, harmony, and love in your life in May.
You are owning your authenticity and living in your truth fully, and this energy is magnetic.
However, Saturn also enters your 7th house of love this month, where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn empowers and helps you grow, but you can also feel a little more challenged within your relationships during this time. The more you can own your wants and needs, the more you can find vulnerability and support within your relationships. On May 26, a New Moon in a fellow air sign occurs and happens in your 9th house, creating a chance at a new adventure and an opportunity to discover some new inspiration.
SCORPIO
May is about believing in the impossible, Scorpio. It’s time to take a leap of faith in yourself and to remember your power. You are seeking a new beginning in your life, and with the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month, you are being supported and encouraged in the process. Pluto, one of your ruling planets, goes retrograde in your house of home and family from May 4 until October, and you are gaining clarity on the people and support systems you can rely on more.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year. You are in full bloom and ready for whatever is next for you, and this is beautiful. Previous intentions and goals come to fruition for you overall in mid-May, and there is a lot to look forward to right now as you are getting excited about it all. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your 8th house, creating a sense of empowerment through what you are looking to change and transform in your life right now.
This month is about not being afraid to take more risks and doing things your own way.
SAGITTARIUS
May is a beautiful month of magic, success, and good fortune, Sagittarius. You are feeling lucky this month and are attracting success to you in many different areas of your life. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 5th house of romance for most of the month, and you are enjoying your life, feeling the love within your heart, and expressing yourself freely in May. You are a magnet for your manifestations, and dreams are coming true for you this month, Sag.
On May 12, we have a Full Moon happening in your house of endings and closure, and you are closing out a big chapter in your life this month.
You are letting go of old pain or emotional experiences and choosing not to repeat a pattern that left you feeling hopeless before. On May 26, we have a New Moon in your sister sign, Gemini, enhancing your need for love, connection, and relationship development this month. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for what partnerships you want to see grow, heal, and come to fruition for you. Overall, May is your month of fruition, balance, and believing in the magic in your life.
CAPRICORN
May is about slowing down and allowing yourself to find the answers you have been looking for, Capricorn. This isn’t the time to rush your progress or doubt where you are in life. The Sun is in your 5th house, and this is good for finding more time for fun, pleasure, self-care, and asking your heart what it needs. With Pluto going retrograde in your 2nd house of values and income, you are being reminded to hold yourself with integrity and to know that you are worthy of the things you are asking for.
The Full Moon on May 12 is a beautiful time to connect with loved ones or those who inspire you. The universe wants to show you that you are not alone this month and that you deserve to live a life where you can enjoy yourself more and manifest your dreams, rather than believing everything needs to be a challenge to be worthy. Saturn, your ruling planet, then enters your 4th house of home and family, and over the next few years, you are going to be rediscovering what home means to you.
AQUARIUS
Your guidance for May is to trust that what is falling from your life or changing for you is doing so for your benefit, Aquarius. Trust that what is happening is happening for you and not to you, and don’t doubt that you will rebuild from this. With Pluto going retrograde in your sign from May 4 until October 13, you need a break from some of the confusion you have been feeling in your personal life, and you are getting a chance to gain a new perspective this month.
Use this time to get inspired by change rather than let it bring you down, and ground yourself in the present moment more.
Saturn enters Aries in May, where it will remain for the next few years, helping you grow in the areas of your life that have to do with communication, networking, transportation, siblings, and education. You will be learning a lot during this time and will be finding new outlets for self-expression and communication. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini occurring in your 5th house of romance, pleasure, hobbies, and entertainment, and after a month of navigating endings, changes, and closures, you are ready for a fresh start and are receiving one in love now.
PISCES
Allow what is to be, be, Pisces. May is a month of allowing yourself to trust the timing of the universe and not giving up hope that things are going to turn out beautifully for you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in fellow water sign, Scorpio, and this is a time to get inspired and see the benefits of closure. This Full Moon is about gaining a new perspective and not doubting what is clearer to you now, that you are worthy of a new beginning.
On May 24, Saturn moves into your 2nd house of income, and you are going to be moving through a journey of developing financially, and working on maintaining stability while building new foundations in your life. The New Moon in Gemini at the end of the month is about setting your intentions for your home and family life and creating some new energy here. Overall, May is your month of breaking ground on the things you want to create for yourself and trusting the timing of how things are unfolding.
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Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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