Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Chromolume Theatre at the Attic
Through Sept. 28
RECOMMENDED
The beauty salon and barber shop have shared special importance in the black community as places where patrons could unburden themselves of everyday life, share gossip, and chatter away about politics, sports and matters of romance. In Candace O. Kelley, Audrey Kelly and Gilda Rogers’s drama, the gathering takes place during a Hair Workshop in a Brooklyn salon, hosted by “You Tube Rock Star” Kee-Kee (Tanya Alexander).
Seated onstage are six black women of various backgrounds and hues, who deliver monologues about aspects of their lives and the significance of their “hair journey.” The stories told are not only personal and varied, they also explore broader themes of self-image, acceptance, and freedom from the arbitrary norms of beauty imposed upon them by the wider culture.
This is a show that is as fun as it is informative, and in a sense, heart rending. The stories fittingly transcend race, and can be enjoyed by people of all hues.
Lisette Resille tells a poignant story about her struggles with her bi-racial black and Jewish heritage, and the hair it gifted her with; Constance (Lea Robinson), a lesbian, speaks about the conflict arising from having to change her hairstyle to please her employers, and of meeting the love of her life; Niecey (Quidana Bosman), defends the choice to wear her hair Clairol Girl straight; Virtic Emil Brown is unimpressive and vacuous as a prideful Jamaican women. The most emotionally powerful monologue comes from Doris (Zuri Alexander), whose bout with cancer puts the hair issue into sharp perspective. Rounding out the cast is Peres Owino in a delightful portrayal of a historian.
Under Audrey Kelly’s direction, the performances are top grade.
Chromolume Theater at the Attic, 5429 W. Washington Blvd, L.A.; Sun., 6 p.m.; through Sept. 28. (323) 960-7738, plays411.com/supernaturalplay
