This past weekend I saw the production of "In the Red and Brown Water" at Penn State's Playhouse Theater. The show is about a girl named Oya who lived with her mother, Mamma Moja. She was a competitive runner that got recruited by a Sports recruiter from the state but did not take up the opportunity because Mamma Moja was sick. She ended up losing her mother and the chance to run for the school so she began to focus on getting married and having children. Intertwined with the story is a confusing romance amongst multiple men and the end has a shocking twist.
What stuck me as the most important event for Oya was her chance to run for the college she had wanted to go to. Mamma Moja's character was given less than a year to live and Oya thought it was best to stay and take care of her rather than to fulfill her dream. Therefore she did not achieve what she was set out to do.
I was extremely compelled by the music and the vocals from the performance. The A-Cappella choir was phenomenal and made it seem as if there was music supporting them; it was flawless. Each one of the individual singers was also outstanding and could carry their part all on their own and beautifully. The African instruments that played throughout the piece also added a nice perspective on different types of music.
The piece was confusing at many parts. From the start of the piece the focus seemed to be on Oya and her running career and I thought that throughout the piece, she would continue to strive towards her dream. Once she was denied the opportunity to run, she gave up and changed her focus to starting a family. This puzzled me because I didn't understand why the plot would shift so drastically. Other than that, the acting, singing, and dancing were all amazing; I couldn't complain.
This was not my first time seeing a live production but it was very unique. I've either seen musicals with large bands, or straight plays with no accompanment. This show was a mix between the two because the singing was usually unaccompanied but when it was, it was only by a couple of african instruments played by 3 men. I went in to the theater completely unaware of what I was viewing, but it was definitely a great show and I would recommend it.
I also loved the singers in this production! Their voices along with the drums were perfect for the play. I was confused at some parts too and I feel that if I watched it again, I would understand more. This play was so unique and unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved the dancing and wish I could move like they did!
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you that this piece was very confusing, especially the random overly sexual parts and the sudden plot direction change. I wasn't a huge fan of the story, itself, but I would say it was very visually stimulating and the vocals and music were a great addition.
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