Othello & Otis
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Three Clubs (Hollywood Fringe)
Through June 21
Inside this show’s program is a detailed timeline of important dates in African-American history. It begins with 1607 and the arrival of the first slaves in Jamestown. It then moves through the tumult of the Civil Rights era on and up to the election of Barack Obama in 2008, finally culminating with the killing of Travon Martin in 2012. It’s a stark reminder of the long painful road America has traveled on the way to racial equality, and of ground that has yet to be covered.
The issue of race remains the most complicated and enduring dilemma of our time — made even more so with the election of Donald Trump. In this multimedia production from the Bag O’ Bones Collective, the subject is explored by seven performers via dance, music, song and spoken word, using the works of James Baldwin, Shakespeare, Otis Redding and Solange.
Francesca Gamez, Sandy Rather, Destiny Cable, Tinks Lovelace, Misha Bernier, Barika Croom and Paulina Gamiz deftly take their places on a stage that is festooned with green leaves and vines. Then, in a voice choked with indignation, Rather says,” I am terrified of the death of the heart that is happening in my country…. there is a profound misunderstanding of the nature of the hatred between black and white.”
This is followed by a clip from the press conference given by President Obama after the shooting death of Travon Martin, segments of which are used throughout with varying degrees of effectiveness. The blend of history, opinion, political and social commentary that threads throughout the show might have greater impact and insight in tandem with writing with more substance and sharper focus.
The more inspiring and memorable moments come by way of Paulina Gamiz’s expressive choreography and Rather’s consistently engaging vocals; she will bring you to tears with her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.”
Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St., Hollywood: performance times vary; through June 21. https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4904. Running time: 45 minutes.
