Review: IN THE BLOOD at Aux Dog Theatre

"I don't think the world likes women much," Hester La Negrita says to her case worker during the first act of Aux Dog's production of Suzan Lori-Parks's In The Blood. The play (which drew connections to the #metoo movement, as pointed out in a program note from Artistic Director Victoria J Liberatori) was a harrowing and emotional study in the ways in which a disadvantaged woman can be abused by the system that is, theoretically, in place to help her.

I will admit that I was (and am) shaken by the experience of watching In The Blood - in the best possible way. This production, powerfully codirected by Alexandra Buresch and Linda Piper, is the kind of theatre that punches you in the gut and leaves you in awe after the curtain call. In particular, the masterful performance given by Angela Littleton as Hester was nothing short of phenomenal. Though that may sound hyperbolic, she inhabited an incredibly difficult character completely, creating a fascinating and devastating woman just trying to "get a leg up", and continually getting beaten down. Ms. Littleton was able to access even the most complicated parts of the character, without any awkwardness or judgement, and left the audience rooting for her, even despite her flaws.

Also strong in challenging supporting roles were her castmates (Darryl DeLoach, Charlene Fox, Alex Prince, Savin J. Salters, and Michelle Varela), who played both her children and the people who were, allegedly, trying to "help" Hester. These actors portrayed a "friend", a pastor, a case worker, a former love interest, and a doctor - all of whom had some sort of sexual relationship with Hester, and all of whom at best let her down, and at worst used her unfortunate circumstance to their advantage. Though some of the actors seemed perhaps a little uncomfortable with the content of the interactions they had with Hester as their adult characters at times, they were immensely effective in the arguably more difficult task of portraying the "bastard children". As a whole, the cast worked very well together and had clearly put a lot of work into the production, to incredible effect.

Technically, In The Blood was quite impressive, as well. The set design (by Jonathan Whitney; executed by Dan K Tabeling, with painting assistance by Danni Offner and costume designer Alexandra Buresch) was excellent, and contained details that I am still unraveling as I ponder the production. The lighting design by Cody Kelien was highly effective, as was the sound design by Allan Edgar. Ms. Buresch's costume design worked very well (and allowed for some great transitions between adult and child characters).

I am always honored to attend theatre that makes me think and feel, and that lingers long after the lights come up. Sadly, the performance of In The Blood that I saw today marked the end of the run, but I am very excited to see more productions at this amazing Nob Hill theatre.