Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith, Trinity Repertory Company, 2/25/11-4/3/11. http://www.trinityrep.com/on_stage/current_season/DM.php Contains mature language and themes
Resident acting company member Joe Wilson, Jr. as Eugene and Brown/Trinity Rep MFA actor Rachel Christopher ’11 as Alma in Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith, directed by Laurie Carlos, now through April 3 at Trinity Rep. Set design by Seitu Jones, costume design by William Lane and lighting design by Michael Wangen. (photo: Mark Turek)
Reviewed by Becca Kidwell
“We hate everything we are told to hate until we realize it is us, ourselves, a new baby just had as we lower her into the well.” Laurie Carlos, Director
Are we the products of our past? As if being birthed from their own parents’ hatred, Rachel Christopher as Alma and Joe Wilson, Jr. as Eugene enter to rhythmic breathing and begin to tell their separate, yet intermingling stories of their lives. Under the direction of Laurie Carlos, Trinity Rep creates an evening of dance and poetry–of lives brought together–and torn apart.
Alma is raised by her mother Odelia who passes on her ingrained hatred of being dark-skinned. Alma complains about being fat and big, but even in childhood Eugene is attracted to her. Eugene grows up being hated for his light-skin by many dark-skinned people–including his own father; he is seen as privileged although he never considers his skin color a privilege. Eugene and Alma form a bond from childhood that moves from friends to lovers as they try to evade the hatred that surrounds their families and their town. However, when they confront their past, it besieges them and leaves them incapacitated.
All of the characters (including the parents and friends) are voiced through Joe Wilson, Jr. and Rachel Christopher’s masterful performances. With the exception of a few minor costume changes, the actors are onstage moving and telling their story for the entire show (with no intermission). They move and speak with rhythm, emotion, and character. Wilson, Jr. and Christopher’s performance create a piece of art that becomes flesh and bone.
The scenery, designed by Seitu Jones, provides a sparse, yet powerful canvas. The lighting, by Michael Wangen, accents the mood and tone of each scene; combined with the sound design of Peter Sasha Horowitz, the visceral quality of the production is felt to the core.
The overall production ensures that the audience will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and textures of Alma and Eugene’s lives. The actors conceive a world that–although perceived artistically–is a very realistic portrait of the hidden faces of racism. TNETG. 3/5/11.
