Dorian Missick and Rondrell McCormick (Photo by Rich Soublet II)
Reviewed by Keelyn McDermott
Old Globe Theatre, San Diego
Through May 3.
RECOMMENDED
De’Adre Aziza and Dorian Missick Photo by (Rich Soublet II)
The Old Globe’s production of August Wilson’s Fences underscores life’s cyclical nature, revealing how parents can unwittingly recreate the conditions of their own upbringing for their children when their past wounds remain untreated. Fences centers on Troy Maxson (Dorian Missick), whose trauma wrought by a racist America ripples through his relationships with his family. This play explores the interpersonal consequences of larger societal forces, as they ripple through the generations.
Scenic Designer Lawrence E. Moten III shares this understanding, including an old photograph from the era as the backdrop, reminding us of just what time period we’re in. The stage is also framed by an old tree – once thriving due to its size, now grey and withered – that holds onto the remnants of a dream: a ball of rags hanging from a rope for Troy to practice hitting with his bat.
From the onset, Missick has a masterful grasp of Troy – from the physicality to emotional complexity to the dialect the character demands. Through his performance, we see the hurt he carries and, perhaps unknowingly, hurls at his family. We also see his humor, and as a testament to the strength of the entire ensemble, why everyone loves him. The chemistry between this cast leaves no room for questioning whether these people have known each other for a long time.
Another standout performance was De’Adre Anziza as Rose, Troy’s wife, and therefore the primary handler of her husband’s hurt. Anziza delivers an extremely nuanced performance, balancing the love Rose has for her husband with the harm he causes her and their family. Birth, Life, Death and love all the while. These concepts so high and mighty in reputation are
living in our everyday reality – in every generation. But playwright Wilson reminds us that the only thing separating ourselves from our parents is a matter of years. As they have autonomy over their lives, you have agency over yours. How much can love repair? How much can a single generation break free from the hurt of the last one?
Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego; Tues.-Fri. & Sun., 7 pm; Sat., 2 & 8 pm; thru May 3. https://theoldglobe.org Running time: Two hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.
