Alisha's Light - Forever 57

A beautiful reminder that life - and living authentically - can start at any age! The performance is sincere, and the poetry is passionate, heartwarming, and at times heart breaking.

Such a beautiful tale, told sincerely and with a beautiful cadence and poetry. No matter what background you're coming from, it's hard not to connect to the authenticity of Alisha's performance - and don't forget to say hi to Allie when you get there!

A unique show that uses rhyming in a way I don't think I've ever seen in a Fringe show before. Alisha's experience in poetry slam really shows through and lends itself to a great show. The subject matter is deeply personal to her and it shows. It's a great, moving, and joyful play, and should be seen by everyone!

As a fellow poet, I was eager to see how Alisha would use the craft to tell her story, and that was done with expert precision. There was so much care, vulnerability, and transparency here, that it gave me so much awareness about an experience that I’ll never have, but can better appreciate. If you love stories of hope and resilience, then I highly recommend you check this show out!

A really wonderful show and performer. Not always easy to watch but you can’t help but leave with a smile. A window into the trans experience and a testament that it is not too late to be your true self!

This is a must see! Beautifully written and authentically shared, Alisha's courage to step into her most authentic self will leave you inspired and uplifted. Alisha tells her remarkable story of how she began to choose herself and step into her light. And boy, does she ever shine! Go bask in Alish's light!

To choose yourself, is to bask in the light of what you’ve been hiding. This is the topic of Alisha Richards Alisha’s Light - Forever 57. conveyed through performative poetry this show guides the audience through Alisha Richard journey through self discovery, and coming out at the age of 57.

Alisha’s story radiates truth, and vulnerability. Narrated through poetry, Alisha is able to reach at the audience's heart strings, throughout the show i found myself in a constant state of self reflection, each moment of discovery resonated with me further than any show ever has. Despite its emotional resonance and gripping storytelling, the show could have benefited from more thought out pacing, certain moments of the story felt rushed and others hurried, Despite this Alisha still managed to captivate and grip the audience through her story.

With such a powerful and emotional story, Alisha still managed to create moments of effortless comedy, at points the walls vibrated with laughter, Alisha’s comedic timing combined with her deep poetry gave the show a beautifully fun atmosphere.

All together Alisha’s Light - Forever 57 offers a self reflective experience like no other, and is a must see at the Edmonton fringe

Alisha's Light is truly apparent throughout this show. But she doesn't shy away from struggles and intriguing moments of self discovery. She stands in the power of authenticity and candour. It can be difficult for cis-gender people to understand the trans experience which is why this is important theatre. Not only that but Alish's spoken work poetry is well-crafted and well-delivered. Particularly powerful was a piece I believe was called "Passing." Heartily recommend.

I HIGHLY recommend this show!

Alisha's poetic story-telling about her transition into the woman she is today is empowering. This show touched my heart and as a young queer person, it empowered me to live as authentically as possible.

If Alisha is reading this: thank you so much for telling your story. And please promote Allie to Marketing Manager!!

Alisha’s show is a true gem. It’s a beautiful story of daring to be your authentic self. Her joy is as beautiful as the words she weaves. A beautiful combination of storytelling and poetry. You can feel the light she speaks of radiating through her story. It made me think of ways I can to dare to be more me. I highly recommend this show. 💕

I strongly recommend this show! It is so life affirming, honest, beautiful, loving, cathartic, insightful, and healing, and so essential right now to hear this story. The moments of gender euphoria shared were so heartwarming, and moments of connection. So often trans stories are only focused on trauma, and this show gifts hope while also invigorating empowerment to break down toxic systems. If you are a sexual abuse survivor, I also strongly recommend this show, there is a poem that is deeply cathartic and shares moments of hope for healing, I found it incredibly moving and raw and empowering. Alisha also radiates so much light throughout the show, holds the audience with gentle care, and mixes humour with heartwarming moments with more emotionally charged moments so it feels very balanced and doesn’t feel triggering in any sense.

Forever 57 is a deep, funny, meaningful, and necessary. I've seen several iterations of this show and it keeps getting better and better. I'm so grateful to Alisha for sharing her story. See this!!

Alisha is everything I want to be at 57! She beautifully shares vulnerable moments from across her life. I was lucky enough to see an earlier version of the show, and this final arrangement is like a patchwork quilt, sewing together all her poems with theatrical elements. Alisha’s story empowers the audience to make transformations in their own lives.

This is a raw, vulnerable, true-life story of one woman's brave journey to live authentically. Alisha takes you through her discovery, transformation, and ongoing joy and struggle living as a transgender woman. There is something here for everyone.

Fun and engaging, as well as a beautiful reminder to stay true to yourself. Alisha's Light takes you through so many emotions.

Alisha is a master wordsmith. Having won previous poetry slams, she has an eloquent way of weaving words together that really take us on a journey, and this journey is soul-baring. Thank you, Alisha for your trans-parency. Bravo! 🤩

Alisha's Light is a powerful show that gives an honest and deeply human look into the transformative experience of Alisha. Focus is placed upon real human emotions such as love, rejection, friendship, identity, courage and belonging. This show conveys personal and authentic storytelling.

I watched Alisha’s Light at last year’s Fringe and returned again in 2026 because the show is so impactful. Through poetry and storytelling, Alisha invites us into the highs and lows of being a transgender woman in America. Her specific experience being in her 50s during her coming out is a unique perspective. I love that Alisha includes both difficult and empowering moments of her life journey in this show.

A beautiful and heartfelt love letter to her authentic self. I admire Alicia’s courage in today’s political climate. Thank you 🙏

Alisha's poetry is powerful and engaging from start to finish. She takes the audience on a personal journey that is emotional, heart felt and even funny. She even had the audience in tears at points throughout the show. If you're looking for a show that is deeply personal and touching then you will 100% enjoy hearing Alisha's journey of self love and descovery.

I was captivated by the first moment she began to speak. In a poetry form, she shared her life in her process of transition. What a very moving, joyful and educating performance. You will fall in love with her. I highly recommend taking the moment to book your ticket and then go see this beautiful piece.

Alicia's story is captivating. She has the guts to live her life with authenticity, and shares with us, in an enchanting way, how changes were made - despite the obstacles. What holds us back from living our truth, and what are the consequences? She sheds Light on the subject!

Oh my gosh, I love Alisha so much! You cannot miss her performance. You will be laughing and crying and will fall in love with her personality and that glowing smile.