TAR
Menu

triangle arts review

NCT's "Having Our Say" Provides a Fascinating Look at History and Humanity

11/11/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lakeisha Coffey (Bessie Delany) and Gayle Turner (Sadie Delany) in NC Theatre's HAVING OUR SAY. Photo by Curtis Brown Photography.
Adapted from a book by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany and based on the real lives of two extraordinary sisters, Emily Mann's Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, beautifully directed by Tia James and onstage through North Carolina Theatre, is a fascinating look at the equally fascinating lives of two women born in 1889 and 1891. These two women, sisters named Sadie Delany (Gayle Turner) and Bessie Delany (Lakeisha Coffey) lived into and beyond 1993. It is in this year, however, that the play is set and that they get to "have their say" and recount their vast and varied experiences to a rapt audience.

The chemistry between the two leads is immediately visible and carries this character-driven show. Together, the two actors follow Mann's dense script to create a very real portrayal of the charming sisters and the familiar way in which they interact with one another. They interrupt, chide, and correct each other in a way that feels incredibly authentic. In fact, their chemistry, combined with David Griffie's highly detailed home set, make viewers feel exactly as if they are sitting with the Delanys in their home and getting to know them.

And, there's certainly a lot to get to know. Not only have these sisters lived for a very long time, but they've also lived through some of the most trying times in history. Born and bred in the Triangle, with much of their young lives spent on the campus of Saint Augustine University, the sisters discuss their personal histories, with a little local and United States history thrown into the mix as well, making this production feel almost like a journey through time.

Both Coffey and Turner are effective storytellers, adding in all the right pauses and mannerisms. And, director James has them moving around the set, cooking and relaxing, which adds an energy to the show and makes viewers feel a real part of these women's lives, like guests in their home who are being treated to their stories. And, while both sisters seem to accept their stories as just mere anecdotes in their lives, modern viewers will marvel at their tales and about what they say about the world of the past, how far we've come, and how much farther we still have to go.

Coffey is spunky and daring in her portrayal of Bessie, perfectly showcasing the character's strong spirit and the rightful sense of injustice she often feels. Turner, on the other hand, creates a soft, sweet Sadie who smiles and picks her battles in her own, more internal way, at least for the most part.  Both portrayals work together to showcase the different ways in which people deal with life, with hardships, and with injustice.

And, while this story is largely about race and the role that race played in these women's lives, it's also just about life in general. It's about being human, about living, and about overcoming. An ultimately triumphant tale featuring two unforgettable women, this play also marks the newly-founded relationship between North Carolina Theatre and Saint Augustine University, both of which worked together to bring this play to life and to incorporate real artifacts from the Delany's lives into it.

Intriguing and important from start to finish, this play is thoughtful, insightful, and wonderfully entertaining, making it a must-see of the season

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    TAR

    We love the arts. We write about them. Founded 2018.

    Categories

    All
    5 Questions
    Book Reviews
    Burning Coal
    Carolina Ballet
    Cary Players
    Concert Reviews
    Dance
    Dance Reviews
    DPAC
    Durham Performing Arts Center
    Forest Moon Theater
    "From The Pit" By Michael Macsuga
    Harnett Regional Theatre
    High School Theatre
    July 2021
    Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    Music
    NCT
    NC Theatre
    Neuse Little Theatre
    North Carolina Theatre
    North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
    NRACT
    PlayMakers Repertory Company
    Press Releases
    Raleigh Dance Theatre
    Raleigh Little Theatre
    Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
    ShaLeigh Dance Works
    Stone Stoup Theatre Company
    Theater Reviews
    Theatre In The Park
    Theatre Raleigh
    Theatre Reviews
    The Center Theater
    The Towne Players Of Garner

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact