Aurora Fox production striking for its performances and visual elements

Kicking off Black History Month, Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s poignant drama Gee’s Bend is currently captivating audiences at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. With profoundly moving performances and masterful direction by donnie l. betts, this production brings the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of the Pettway family to vivid life.

The storyline focuses on quilting as a form of expression for the residents of Gee’s Bend, specifically the Pettway family. Quilting in Gee’s Bend embodies heritage, resilience, community, economic empowerment and emotional healing. It’s a powerful metaphor for the strength and creativity of the African American community.

The play revolves around the character of Sadie (Yasmin Emani Hunter). It follows her journey through significant historical events and personal challenges, showcasing her strength and the importance of quilts as symbols of hope and continuity in her life. Along with her sister, Nella (Daja McLeod), her mother, Alice (Sheryl McCallum), and her husband, Macon (Stevie Wise), we are given a complete overview of the Pettway family’s journey through adversity, resilience, and the transformative power of their shared experiences.

As Sadie, Hunter delivers a compelling and grounded performance that anchors the beautifully crafted storyline, highlighting its triumphs and tribulations. From the dawn of 1939 through the transformative Civil Rights movement, Hunter masterfully captures the essence of each era and its evolving spirit with remarkable assurance. Her performance is enhanced by musical interludes that she delivers with strength and conviction.

The performances by McLeod, McCallum and Wise are equally solid, each bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their portrayals beautifully complement Hunter’s performance, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant ensemble that enriches the narrative and highlights the Pettway family’s journey dynamics.

donnie l. betts’ direction of Gee’s Bend is both thoughtful and compelling. His focus on historical accuracy and character depth allows the audience to connect meaningfully with the family’s journey. betts’ careful orchestration of the cast and attention to detail ensure that each scene resonates authentically. This balanced approach allows the story to unfold naturally, creating a compelling and emotionally engaging production.

Steve Wise and Yasmin Emani Hunter in ‘Gee’s Bend.’ | Photo: Photo: RDGPhotography

Visual elements

One of the most impressive elements of this production is the way the actors physically embody the passage of time without the aid of traditional aging makeup. Gee’s Bend spans over six decades, requiring Hunter and McLeod in particular to transition from youthful exuberance to the slowed, deliberate movements of old age — all within a single performance. The actors rely on nuanced changes in posture, gait and vocal modulation to convincingly portray their characters’ evolving physicality. These transformations are subtle but effective, making the audience feel the weight of years accumulating on their shoulders.

Lighting design by Brett Maughan plays a crucial role in reinforcing these transitions. In the final act, the use of shadows and warm, directional lighting casts deeper contours on the actors’ faces, subtly enhancing the illusion of aging. The interplay between performance and technical design allows for a seamless passage of time that feels organic rather than forced.

Beyond its focus on individual transformation, Gee’s Bend also uses innovative scenic and projection design to reflect the world evolving around the characters. Scenic and Projection Designer Brandon Philip Case integrates dynamic projections onto the back wall, layering historical imagery with shifting landscapes. These visuals do not overpower the physical set but instead enhance it, adding depth and context. Moments such as the march in Selma are given visceral immediacy through archival footage, grounding the personal struggles of the Pettway family within the larger Southern Freedom Movement.

With its meticulous attention to historical details, deeply felt performances and innovative use of theatrical design, Gee’s Bend at the Aurora Fox Arts Center is an exceptional way to mark Black History Month. It is a testament to the power of storytelling — not just in preserving history, but in making it feel immediate and deeply personal.