BWW Reviews: Denver Center's RUINED

"There must always be a part of you that the war can't touch" is the resilient theme of RUINED, the amazing Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage. RUINED tells the story of Mama Nadi (Kim Staunton) who struggles to keep her small bar and brothel prosperous in the midst of the raging Congo civil war. By catering to soldiers on both sides of the conflict, she manages not only to keep her girls safe, but also discovers a romance of her own. Lynn Nottage's winning drama uses compassion, outrage and humor to explore what it takes to survive the devastating effects of war. Director Seret Scott aims to prepare the DCTC cast with expansive and in-depth research on the real situation in the Congo to, as she puts it, "avoid playing a statistic on the news, but rather to put a face on the terrible things that are happening."

That brief synopsis doesn't even begin to cover the depth, emotion, and brutality of RUINED, and I would need 100 pages to do so adequately as well. Upon entering the theater, one is greeted by the serene sounds one might imagine of a typical African evening, including live music during the show delivered at the talented hands of musical director and composer Keith E. Johnson. The traditional music lends appropriate atmosphere for the horrific story about to unfold. Set designer Michael Ganio utilizes every aspect of the stage, showcasing the depth and possibility of the Denver Center's Ricketson Theatre. In several scenes, Mama Nadi's bar looks like a fun hotspot, with lighthearted chatter and interaction. Despite the festivities, however, there is the subtle implication of apprehension and fear, tension and sorrow, brutality and violence.

The beginning of the play feels like an average business deal: "It's the last time you bring me damaged goods...it's not good for business!" When we learn that the "items" the characters are bartering over are human beings, the subtle sense of apprehension and fear intensifies. The story of damaged Sophie, Mama's young bookkeeper and bar singer, makes one question just what the definition of "ruined" is, and how these women rise above the constant violence knocking on their backdoor. In a land where women often still have no voice, Sophie finds hers through song and the musical notes in the air add an emotional element to the production.

Director Seret Scott must be commended for her spot-on casting. There is a necessarily strong female presence in this show. Joy Jones (Josephine), Tallia Brinson (Sophie), and Daphne Gaines (Salima) do an outstanding job with difficult subject matter, walking a fine line between hope and comfort and the underlying fear instilled by the ever-present threat of violence. Each of these talented women shine in glowing moments, whether it is Sophie through song, Josephine through keeping scenes lighthearted and fun, or Salima through the telling of her devastating story. (Her "five months" monologue is hands-down one of the most emotional monologues you will ever hear. Don't forget the tissues).

Kim Staunton's performance as strong-willed yet compassionate Mama Nadi was the highlight of the evening. Her interpretation of a multi-layered character torn by both internal and external conflict - as a shrewd business woman one moment ("We keep our faces pretty") and a fiercely caring mother figure the next - is mesmerizing. When Mama demonstrates her ability to truly care for her girls, it is one of several emotionally heart-wrenching moments of the show. (Did I mention you should bring tissues?) Her surprise confession at the end ties the entire play together and absolutely wrecked several audience members, including me, in the process.

While speaking to me after the show, director Seret Scott told me that they had Skyped with actual survivors of the conflict in Congo and she was stunned at how positive they were, given all the tragedy they had experienced. With all of the unrest and unpredictability happening in Libya, Egypt, Syria, and other places around the globe, RUINED reminds us that these types of atrocities against women have been going on for decades. The play is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. In the end, the story is surprising, uplifting, and hopeful - just like the women who embody, with every breath they take, the unimaginable horrors of war.

Leaving this show, one is filled with a sense of "What can I do to help?" Keep an eye out next week for my interview with the Women's Global Empowerment Fund, which will explore the organization's history helping women in need and offer suggestions for how you can help, too.

The Denver Center Theatre Company presents Lynn Nottage's searing war drama RUINED, a look at the plight of women amidst the bloody conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Named Time Magazine's #1 pick of top plays and musicals in 2009, RUINED plays the Ricketson Theater March 18 - April 30. For tickets and information, call the Denver Center box office at 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.

Photo by Terry Shapiro

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