A group of actors are attempting to
dramatize the first genocide of the 20th century, where German troops
systematically wiped out the agricultural Herero people and took possession of
their land. As the performers, three black,
three white, gather to give their presentation, we see them struggling,
stumbling, arguing. I’m black – I’m white – only I know the truth. A young
black woman sees her grandmother’s face in a photo of a Herero woman. There are
sad letters home from a lonely soldier, relentless killer of a despised people.
An actor says, “I can’t do this. It isn’t me. I’m not capable of committing an atrocity.”
But the revelation is when they each discover the potential for brutality they
contain.
Author Jackie Sibblies Drury
says, “I was inspired by my own inability to write something meaningful about
the Herero Genocide, so I tried to write a play where the characters fail to do
the same thing.” She has succeeded admirably and, with this cast, the
improvisational style is so believable one wonders how firmly the staging is
set.
Plaudits to the energetic and believable cast: Julanne Chidi Hill
(dynamite), Phil LaMarr (brilliant), John Sloan (moving); Joe Holt (splendid), Daniel
Bess (impressive) and Rebecca Mozo (charming).
Under Jillian Armenante dynamic
direction, the ensemble of actors playing actors playing diverse roles creates
a totally believable scenario with an emotional punch not soon forgotten.
The set
by John Iacovelli and costumes by Michele Dunn are appropriately modern/shabby,
but the lighting by Michael Gend and sound by John Zalewski contribute
immeasurably to the mood and enhance the serious undercurrents of the play.
Produced by Joseph Stern at The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles,
through
August 11. For reservations call 323-852-1445
or go to www.matrixtheatre.com.
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