Seven days, seven wonderful days of plays -- and now it is almost over. There will be the best of the best on Sunday, so try not to miss it. Program Seven went international, an interesting mix and take on happiness and tragedy in our times.
Nigerian Bookends is written and produced by Cuauhtemoc Q. Kish. It is directed by Antonio "TJ" Johnson with, Monique Gaffney and Jason Mallory starring. With the varied beat of Rhys Green's drum upstage, Hijara (Gaffney) and Hijaro (Mallory) stand before a Nigerian court pleading their case. The charges: sexual misconduct. Their crimes: being raped. Their sentence: death by stoning. Johnson's direction is tight, somewhat understated, yet highly dramatic for this very scary story.
An Honest Arrangement is written and produced by David Wiener with Lia Metz directing. It stars David Rethoret and Karina Montgomery. Willie (Rethoret) waits in the airport lobby for his email bride carrying only a photo and a meager bouquet of flowers. The last passenger is Nara (Montgomery), much younger, rather frumpy. Both have been honest in their emails and in their conversation. She knows she'll have to take care of him in his old age and makes many references. He defends himself as being quite healthy. There is a sweetness, a joy, and an optimism in the naturalistic piece. Director Metz has taken playwright Wiener's words punching bits with carefully staged moves.
Red Magic is written and produced by Beverly Berwick and directed by Sophie Anderson. It stars Jo Dempsey, Deirdre Wagner, and Brandon Walker. This is a study in non-communication as an American diplomat's wife tries to cope with the culture of Columbia and fails miserably. Her Columbian maid finally loses control, much to the horror of her boyfriend and gardener. The direction is a bit over-the-top, but, then, the script is too abrupt, leading to seemingly unmotivated anger.
