Theatre--Review (Louisiana Women series)

The Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville hosts three more playlets in the Louisiana Women series by Carolyn Woosley.  This group pays tribute to African-American women: Marie-Therese Coincoin Metoyer, Clementine Hunter and Nellie Lutcher.  I mentioned to an African-American friend that I was looking forward to seeing the sketch about Mme. Metoyer and my friend had never heard of her or the Cane River Free People of Color.  That, alone, would be a good reason to see this production

As with the other productions by this company, there are three monologues in which each woman tells the audience something about her life.  The plays are not deep or exhaustive--they run about 40 minutes and are little more than a People magazine piece on stage.  Please don't read that as negative criticism.  The scripts are meant to be an introduction with the goal of getting the viewer to do some follow up work.  I immediately came home and spent an hour online reading up on the ladies because I was intrigued by the glimpses offered on stage.  They are presented as ladies who have a little time and a few good stories.  We get a feel for them as people we might want to know better.

Once again, the physical production is simple but effective.  A large mural photo of an oak tree forms the backdrop for a cemetery, a cabin and a business office.  Furniture and dressings change to give a snapshot of each woman's world and the costuming sets each woman in her period.  It is both expeditious and effective.

The performers are all competent and appealing.  They move the pieces along at a good clip so each monologue seems shorter than it actually is.  They are all comfortable speaking to an audience as if to a friend.  The direction is not fussy and makes good use of each setting.

No one wants to read a long review so I will be brief.  These shows introduce or renew the acquaintance of women of significant accomplishment in a pleasing way.  There are facts and themes to discuss afterward.  Personally, I would never miss the chance to see any Louisiana Women production and I say that as a person who makes his living in theatre.  

I wish more people had been in the audience tonight but there is still time to catch this show in St. Martinville before it ends its run on Sunday.  This is a show celebrating African-American women of accomplishment but it is not a Black show.  It is a universal show which demonstrates the strength, resilience and generosity of the human spirit. 
---Walter Brown