Yellowman

Starred review from November 1, 2002
Here are two breathtaking, small-cast plays by a vibrant new voice in American theater. Yellowman, a Pulitzer Prize finalist that opened at the Manhattan Theater Club in October 2001, is a two-actor piece in which each actor plays multiple roles. Orlandersmith examines intraracial racism and its effect on friends and eventual lovers Alma and Eugene, chronicling their relationship from childhood to adulthood in spare, uncommonly beautiful language with a South Carolinian/Gullah inflection. Their families and "friends," fueled by alcohol and incomprehensible rage, bend this relationship to the breaking point. My Red Hand, My Black Hand, a piece for three actors (playing mother, father, and daughter), deals with interracial themes. Its musical language offers a mixture of driving blues (in particular, John Lee Hooker) and Native American rhythms. The mother is black, the father Native American. The daughter's telling of the stories of their lives is punctuated by comments from both parents. Actors in each play will need a strong, sensitive directorial hand, particularly if the racism of Yellowman is unfamiliar territory. But this is still terrific writing, and theater departments everywhere should take a look when these shows are released for amateur productions. Recommended for all libraries and advanced theater groups.-Larry Schwartz, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Moorhead

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.