In The Brown And Red Water

On Saturday, our English class went to the Playhouse Theatre to see the showcase of In the Brown and Red Water. I have seen a Broadway production and a few high school productions but I have never been to a play or performance at Penn State. I was unsure of what to expect in a college level production. Was it going to be more similar to high school or more professional like Broadway? The play began with the cast on stage. I did not read a summary of the play prior to seeing it, which was probably a bad idea because I was a little confused. The music and choreography looked very spiritual and African. On the other hand, the language and tone of the characters seemed more American. The story was about a teenage girl, Oyá, living in the projects of Louisiana. Oyá is an exceptional runner and “The Man from State” even offers her a college scholarship – away from the poverty and poor lifestyle. However, due to her mother’s, Mama Moja, illness, Oyá has to turn down this opportunity. This is a huge let down because this is a dream and once in a lifetime chance. When Mama Moja dies early in the play, Oyá’s life seems to spin out of control . As the play goes on, we follow Oyá as she becomes a woman and the choices she makes that impact her life. Oyá deals with normal adolescent experiences, like love and relationships. She is uncertain of whom she is and where life is going to take her. The boys of the projects woo over Oyá – they constantly pursue her. Shango, her first love, leaves her to go off to war. She then settles with a longtime friend, Ole Goo. Oyá knows that Ole Goo is not her soul mate, but she feels like she has no other choice. Every time Shango comes to visit, Oyá falls in love with him all over again. Oyá desperately wants to have a baby, but neither boy is able to get her pregnant. Towards the end of the play, Oyá finds out that Shango impregnated Shun, a girl from the projects. Devastated, Oyá, cuts off her ear and gives it to Shango as a gift to remember her by.

            In the Brown and Red Water was very different than any other play I have seen before because each character narrated their selves. For example if Shango oentered the stage he would announce, “Shango enters the stage.” There was a lot of singing and dancing which was absolutely fantastic. I found out that the girl who played Mama Moja, Aquila Kikora Franklin, also choreographed the entire production. I loved the dancing scenes because it was so exotic. The dancing was very tribal-like and wild. The actors were such good dancers and the music was terrific. On the side stage, you could see the little 3-person band with their instruments.

            I have to admit, however, that the play was extremely confusing and strange. The dialogue was very raunchy talking about oral sex and whatnot. I was sitting next to an elderly woman which was extremely awkward, yet kind of amusing. I have never seen a play before that was so uncensored.

            Overall, my experience at the Playhouse Theatre went well. I enjoy performances of all kinds and this was definitely entertaining. I do believe that In The Brown and Red Water closely resembled a Broadway production, more so than a high school one. Even though the stage set up never changed, the acting was very professional. It was an amazing experience and I will definitely go back to see another play!