BWW Reviews: FADE TO BLACK PLAY FESTIVAL at The Queensbury Theatre Bold, Black & Brilliantly-Beautiful

Last night I had the privilege to go to the 3rd annual FADE TO BLACK playwright's festival. Houston has its share of fringe events, but there wasn't a playwright's festival celebrating the works of black playwrights until Denise O'Neal conceived the FADE TO BLACK festival. In their 3rd year of operation, the FADE TO BLACK festival is on the rise and serves as a platform for the creative voices of black theatre artists of the future. Not only do the playwrights get the chance to show their work, actors and directors have an opportunity to flex their creative muscles. An esteemed panel of judges read a lot of plays and narrowed it down to 10 titles that were rehearsed and presented last night.

ACT I

DRIVING MISS CRAZY written by Kelvin Douglas

Directed by Cleo House, Jr.

CAST:

Dabrina Sandifer as Seena Mae Jackson

Anthony August as Jules Deandre Jackson

The evening started with a wonderful comedy. This play set the tone for the evening. It was funny, truthful and hit us in the heart. In this play, the playwright examines the relationship of a widow and her son. The son is on a quest for independence and the mother does not want him to leave the nest. While dealing with his mother's guilt, life's circumstance causes him to look at the short time one has on earth. "This play shows the struggle with black women and their sons. Letting go can be hard for any mother. When the son broke the news to his mother that he was ready to leave he was very thoughtful in his approach, and the mother wasn't overly aggressive," said, Darryl Collins.

COLORED IN WINTER written by Dana Stringer

Directed by Kelvin Douglas

CAST:

Dontre Carter as Raymond Brown

Cheryl Duffin as Katherine Davis

Tad Howington as Charles Davis

Next on the bill was COLORED IN WINTER. A couple is waiting on a potential client, and a snow storm has forced them to seek refuge in their office. A young black man dressed in winter clothing needed to use the telephone and from his attire Charles the white store owner assumes he's a vagabond. His wife Katherine was more open, but it isn't until a life-threatening incident occurs that switches the opinions of Katherine and Charles. This play deals with race and the ignorant aesthetic we attach with deviant behavior. Douglas address a very important topic which seems to be relevant in today's society.

A VALENTINE'S DAY MURDER written by Dana Clark-Bocks

Directed by Steve Carpentier

CAST:

Dave Osbie Shepard as Bill

Ms. Pinky as Susan

Robert Jacobs, Jr. as Stan

After 47 years of marriage, Bill and Susan found a creative yet gory way to commemorate Valentine's Day. Relationships were immediately established and the physical comedy was spot on. This comedy of errors was invigorating and was hilarious in a demented way.

COLOR BLIND written by Thomas Meloncon

Directed by Vincent Victoria

CAST:

Rachel Dickinson as Betty Davis

Keith Harris II as Jessie Jones

Vincent Victoria as Dr. Yelsing

This play focused on the issues black actors deal with in the commercial theatre. One's blackness is at question and coonery becomes the character trait that gets the job. With the backdrop of a psychiatrist office, we are introduced to an ambitious actor Jessie and very interesting patient who thinks she's a director and Betty Davis. I can say that this play had an abstract opening with comedic elements.

EDMONIA'S MARBLE written by Chuck Cummings

Directed by Errol Anthony Wilks.

CAST:

Callina Situka as Edmonia Lewis

Tonyai Palmer as Woman

Chuck Cummings play takes us back to Philadelphia circa 1876 during the Centennial Exposition. Mary Edmonia Lewis was a sculptor during the Neoclassicism movement. Glancing at a 3,000-pound slab of marble she draws blank creatively. She is visited by Cleopatra's spirit in her studio, and it is during their exchange she finds inspiration to sculpt "The Death of Cleopatra". This play was thought provoking and a great piece of historic theatre. Even though there was nudity in this piece it was executed beautifully and wasn't gratuitous. It is playwrights like Cummings that give us a glimpse into a part of black history that isn't in the average history book. This was a great way to end the first half of the night.

ACT II

THE VESSEL BY WHICH written by Angela Y. Rice

Directed by Yvonne Phillips-Dupree

CAST:

Roenia Thompson as Harriet Tubman/ Minty

Henry Edwards Jr. as John Tubman

Rennette Lucien as Harriet Ross

Brandon Morgan as God

This piece gave us a glimpse into the early years of Harriet Tubman and her marriage to John Tubman. It was during her time as a young girl and slave in Dorchester that she received a head injury from a weight. This head injury caused seizures and visions. Now Minty has a chaotic relationship with her husband and a torn between following Gods mission. Tubman's decision leads to the pathos of this story. This is a poignant story with heart and soul. An exquisitely written tour de force, this is storytelling at its best. One of my favorite pieces of the night!

STATE written by Ken Green

Directed by Timothy Eric

CAST:

Brandon Morgan as Vendor

Jada August as Minister

Rickey Davis as Homeless Man

Set on a Subway this play centers on two characters, a panhandler and a street evangelist. The selling of tube socks and salvation become the topic of conversation. In competition to garner the attention of the train riders The Vendor and the Minister start competing. The comedy in this piece was spot on and uncovered many truths about the world of religion.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL was written by Ron Jones

Directed by Dabrina Sandifer

CAST:

Blandon Thomas as David Payne

Gene Griesbach as Hawthorne

Kimberley Hicks as Terri

Iggy Nguyen as Steve

Set in the office of a literary agent this play spotlights the red tape and bureaucracy unknown screenwriters deal with while trying to get representation. Taking matters into his own hands, screenwriter David Payne delivers his pitch to Mr. Hawthorne by any means necessary. Packed with high energy and a demented writer, this play was funny and relatable.

IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT written by Melanie Earnestina Burke

Directed by Leighza Walker

CAST:

Andrew Runk as Leo Cavanaugh

Danielle K. Burke as Courtney Davis

Susanna Morgan Eig as Lauren Miller

Nate Jones as Darryl Lloyd Davis

This was an in your face story that tackled the racial issues mixed couples deal with. The ongoing scrutiny from family and onlookers become the catalyst for this couples adversity. Leo is faced with being labeled a "Ni**er Lover" and Courtney is faced with "selling-out" for loving a white man. Leo's thoughts become visible and he is visited by an ex-girlfriend and Courtney's brother. Their visit help determine the next step he must take in the relationship. This play was well written and brilliantly directed.

WHIPPED written by Travis Tate

Directed by Ananka Kohnitz

CAST:

Sam Flash as Nicholas

Jabari Collins as Sean

Steve Carpentier as The Pizza Delivery Man

As the night came to a close, there was one more play on the bill and it was the piece de résistance. This play examines the roles in gay relationships from a sexual and social perspective. At the begging of this play, the two characters are adorned in leather and S&M attire. One member of the audience blatantly stated, "I'm not ready for this" but I was! In the midst of the ball gag and whips, this story delved into the stereotypical ideals and roles in life. Learning to be comfortable with oneself was the plight of this play and I have to say I loved every second. I love when playwrights take a risk and Travis Tate wrote a piece that was uncomfortable for some, and relatable to many.

On the drive home I talked with my theatre buddy and, we were thoroughly entertained. Of course we had difference in our favorite pieces. We did agree that IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT and THE VESSEL BY WHICH would make wonderful full-length plays. From beginning to end, this play festival was a breath of fresh air. In "Letters to a Young Poet" Rainer Maria Rilke writes, a work of art is good if it has arisen out of necessity. Every play on this bill had relevance and entertained the audience and holds true to Rilke's mantra. This was a groundbreaking event that I hope every Houstonian has an opportunity to witness. It is theatre festivals like this that ignite creativity, inform the people and enlighten the masses on the richness of the African diaspora. These black playwrights have a strong voice and we need to encourage and support up and coming writers.

Please note this year's plays have a wide range of content with some including strong language and one with partial nudity. The material is not suitable for theatergoers under 18. The festival runs now through June 13th at The Queensbury Theatre make sure you go get your tickets! The plays the thing! For more information please visit www.FadetoBlackFest.com

The plays the thing!

Creatively yours,

Bryan-Keyth Wilson

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