- April 28, 2024
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Local man overcame childhood trauma of sexual abuse.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
When Tony Felton was going through a 12-step program to get off drugs seven years ago, he learned to open up about the things in his past that were driving him toward his addictive behavior.
A painful part of his childhood came to the surface. He realized he had been sexually abused as a boy and was using drugs and alcohol to numb the guilt and pain.
His story will be told this weekend at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center in the play, “Still I Weep.” The musical drama was written by Felton and will be performed by local artists.
Felton had always known what had happened with a family member, but until he talked to counselors, he didn’t realize he had been running from it his entire life.
While going through the recovery process, he began writing notes about his childhood experiences.
“Out of those notes came these fictitious characters,” he said. “Out of those characters came a story line. It was my way of dealing with the pain.”
The musical drama, “Still I Weep,” came out of these writings.
Suitable for the family
Even though the subject is serious, Felton said the musical drama is suitable for all ages.
“I have my children in this play,” he said. “Kids can come to the play and they will be very comfortable. “
He said it tells the story without going into painful details about abuse and even has moments of comedy.
The play tells the story of a successful businessman who is addicted to drugs after using them to numb the pain of something that happened in his life.
Felton said he decided to produce the play to help the people who are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the problem.
“There’s a lot of people hurting inside but can’t talk about it,” he said. “We think that’s it’s our own fault and that’s what made me step forward and put it out there. “
Something not talked about
His goal is to “start a dialog,” so that childhood sexual abuse can be dealt with.
“I am overwhelmed at how many people have been affected by this,” he said. “I’ve had adults stand in front of me and just start crying. It’s prevalent; it’s way too prevalent. And nobody talks about it.”
One reason that it’s not talked about, he said, is that it’s often done by family members or family friends. Also, he said it’s very difficult for a man to talk about being abused.
This is the first play Felton has written. He’s an aspiring playwright, and has background as an actor. His past local credits include “Race” at City Repertory Theatre in Palm Coast and “Motown” at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
If you go
The play will run at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.12, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Tickets cost $15 and a portion will support Community Scholarship Programs and a theatrical training program for local youth.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 676-3375; going online at ormondbeach.org or visiting the Performing Arts Center Box Office, 399 N. U.S. 1, Tuesday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m., and two hours prior to every show.
Abuse facts
— 30% of children who experience abuse and neglect will, in later life, abuse their own children.
— 25% of abused children will likely become pregnant in their teens.
— Abused teens are less likely to engage in safe sex, thereby increasing their risk of STDs.
— Many will resort to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
— 28% percent will likely experience arrest in adulthood.
— 30% percent are more likely to commit violent crimes.
Childhelp.org
