‘The Nacirema Society’ features a winning cast well directed by Kenya Fashaw
Coinciding with the start of Black History Month, Firehouse Theater presents The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years by Pearl Cleage and directed by Kenya Fashaw. Set in 1964 Selma, Alabama, the play explores an often-overlooked segment of society and the friction created by two opposing Black families – wealthy, aristocratic and working-class. Long on laughs and ample tender moments, the play examines universal themes, including race, family secrets and societal expectations.
We are first introduced to the financially advantaged Dunbar family with the matriarch Grace Dunbar (Latifah Johnson) and her daughter-in-law Marie Dunbar (Zeah Loren) preparing the dress to be worn by granddaughter Gracie (Liyah Patrick) for the upcoming 100-year celebration of The Nacirema Society — a social club for Black women with money. Thankfully, there is still time to alter the gown since it is only Monday and the event is not until Friday. But much can happen, and does, in the next five days.
As preparations continue for the upcoming event, enter Alpha Campbell Jackson (Artie Thompson), the daughter of a former maid to the Dunbar family. She is consumed by the notion that the Dunbar family owes her something, and she concocts a plan that will bring her financial gain while at the same time derailing the Nacirema party. Her daughter Lillie (Nadiya Jackson), an up-and-coming medical student, wants nothing to do with her mother’s scheme and has her own connection to the celebration.
There is much speculation that granddaughter Gracie will become engaged Friday night to the highly desirable Bobby Green (Josiah Peters), the son of Grace’s good friend and confidante, Catherine Green (Colette Brown). Although Gracie and Bobby are good friends, neither intends to marry the other.
Complicating everything is the arrival of New York Times Janet Logan (Sydney Odion-Smith), to cover all the events unfolding this week in Selma. Under her watchful eye, much will be revealed.
Throughout the action of the play, Dunbar’s violin-playing maid, Jessie Roberts (Larea Edwards), appears to be a mind reader when it comes to her job. Never speaking a single word, Jessie has just the right touch to handle her upper-class employer. Edwards delivering a gem of a performance in the role.
The play ends with a flourish as the truth is revealed, and most everyone gets their well-deserved comeuppance.
Colette Brown as Catherine (L) and Latifah Johnson as Grace in ‘The Nacirema Socity’ at Firehouse Theater | Photo: Soular Radiant Photography
The entire cast is a stand-out. Of special note is a trio of three gifted comedic actors leading the troupe: Johnson as Grace, Brown as Green, and Thompson as Alpha. They are all hilarious, especially during the second act as they maneuver to play out and eventually quash Campbell Jackson’s attempt to ruin Grace.
As directed by Kenya Fashaw, the comedy gets off to a rather slow start but gains momentum toward a very satisfying production. Fashaw is skilled at filling the stage with a large cast in the John Hand space, keeping focus on the central characters. She has successfully emphasized character development, bringing a unique persona to each role.
Visually, it is a stunning show. The setting, credited to Jeff Jesmer’s set construction, is both functional and ornate, simultaneously depicting several playing areas. Holly-Kai Hurd, costume designer, has dressed the characters in appropriate and appealing attire with multiple changes throughout the two acts.
All told it’s a winning production from Firehouse, and a great addition to the many events celebrating Black History Month this February.
Leave A Comment