“Yellowman” is a Two Man Army

In Dael Orlandersmith's "Yellowman" we are carried down to South Carolina, in the 1960's where an ensemble is created of deep, vivid and outlandish characters, through the work of just two actors. The story focuses on Alma and Eugene from youth all the way to adulthood. As they grow they find themselves conjoined and torn by a racial divide between dark and light skinned blacks. Both characters talk of self hatred and alienation. How they look and where they come never leaves them. Though it can force to make great leaps it can also drag you back to the ground.

Ms. Orlandersmith's words fulfill it's purpose beautifully and could easily be devoured as well on the page then spoken before your eyes. Greenetree's stab at the play can most certainly tear you. The dialogue requires a back and forth that flows as steadily as a river, which J. Israel Greene and Deanna Reed accomplish well. Ms. Reed's opening monologue is worth going to go see alone. Mr. Greene and Ms. Reed's chemistry together is electric and a fascinating thing to watch, and both bring the characters Alma and Eugene to life.

The play does have it's weak points. Neither Mr. Greene or Ms. Reed had an easy task. We see both transform into a slew of other characters, and a large chunk of the the beggining follows Alma and Eugene at ages seven and nine years old, which was not always believable. What should be an exposition of two actors smoothly transforming from one character to the next, occasionally became two heartbreaking performances fragmented by impressions. Eugene's mother was mimed with a martini glass. I learned the rest from the words spoken.

I think playing a child on stage can prove far more difficult then people give it credit. Both Mr. Greene and Ms. Reed would have performed with more sincerity had they kept in mind that children don't see themselves as old.

Despite it all "Yellowman" is a true piece of theater. Director Jonathan Wilson takes us far with only two actors, a couple benches and a rocking chair to an entire new world.

"Yellowman" performs September 15th - October 9th; Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8pm and Sun 3pm at Stage 773 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets range $15 - $25 and can be bought at Stage773.com or by phone at 773 327 5252.

by Michael Monteiro