WSU's Bonstelle Theatre to Present IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER, 2/7-16

The Bonstelle Theatre breaks through the misery of one of Detroit's coldest winters with the Michigan premiere of a stellar addition to the canon of African American theatre, In the Red and Brown Water. Performances run February 7 through 16, 2014 at the Bonstelle Theatre. Tickets are available at www.wsushows.com or by calling 313-577-2960.

In the Red and Brown Water is one of the three plays comprising the Brother/Sister Plays written by 2013 MacArthur Fellow Tarell Alvin McCarney, an alumnus of the Yale School of Drama, Britain's National Theatre, and currently a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble.

McCarney blends West African Yoruban mythology and the African American experience to tell a poetic story of love and choice through the eyes of a young teenage girl, Oya, who struggles with coming of age in the chaotic yet vibrant Louisiana projects. Oya, meaning "the goddess of wind, lightning, fire, fertility, and magic," finds herself forced into an emotionally heart-wrenching decision: to stay with her terminally-ill mother or to chase her dream of becoming a college track star.

Director Aku Kadogo is no stranger to Detroit audiences, having performed extensively throughout the region for many years, and having been faculty at Wayne State University. She has taught years abroad at LATT Children's Theatre in South Korea and NAISDA Dance College in Australia.

Kadago describes McCarney as a poetic genius in his use of the orishas - a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Yoruba religion. Kadogo's approach to the production is influenced by the playwright's use of the Yoruban orishas as elements of nature today. "McCarney uses orishas as a metaphor. As an example, Shango and Oya are thunder and wind. When McCraney places them in New Orleans, they cannot fail to be associated with the hurricane Katrina.

Tickets are available at www.wsushows.com or at 313-577-2960.