The Colored Museum was originally performed at the Crossroads Theater Company on March 26, 1986. The rich cultural heritage, the rhythmic beating of the drums, the political satire infused with the dynamics of an uncompromising cultural legacy is infused into every aspect of this performance.
Jasmine Guy gives a wonderfully contemporary creative direction to this play. She speaks to this classic theatrical production as one of the historical icons of the black community. Its affluent historical references and empowering strength illuminates the audience on the struggles of the African American race. Ms. Guy takes a clear and vivid direction when creating her productions. She wanted an “untainted” production that speaks to the new spirit of the Harlem Renaissance that thrives here in Atlanta, GA. Never having seen any production the original play, Ms. Guy gives the performance new life and vigor with a modern twist.
Ali Amin Carter gives an outstanding performance in Soldier with a Secret. He stated it was one of the more difficult performances for him due to the solder’s experience of struggling with life and it many problems while still having to “go through it” and work out all the pain of a solider returning from war. He also really came to life as Guy in the Photo Session bringing light to the reality of fakeness. From every comment to every facial expression he gave a terrific performance set in authentic creative expression.
Yakini Horne blew us away in Permutations as Normal Jean Reynolds, which was a character that yanked on her emotional heartstrings due to its eternal optimism while suffering at the hands of mental, emotional and physical abuse. Ms. Horne brought the strength of an African queen from across the ocean as Lady-in-Plaid in The Last Mama -on-the-Couch Play. Her performance as the Kid in Symbiosis was lip trembling perfection. Ms. Horne emanated the rage of a child abandoned to circumstance and pulled a tear from every eye in the audience.
Danielle Deadwyler gave us sister girl attitude in her energetic role as LaWanda in the Hairpiece. Her spicy, saucy and strong demeanor brought the character to life. She jolted us with the black exploitation antics of Topsy Washington in the Party. She truly revived our memories to the difficulty that our ancestor actors and predecessor performers faced while paving the way for a new generation of thespian talents.
Je Nie Fleming brought the character of Lala Lamazing Grace back to Atlanta with Style, Glamour, Flair and Mississippi Ghetto Country girl realness. She states it was her favorite character due to Lala’s desire to be home with her people but at the same time maintain her starlet diva lifestyle. Ms. Fleming sho’ nuf showed out in Cookin’ with Aunt Ethel with a singing voice that could melt butter. But it didn’t stop there; as Mama in The Last Mama-on-the-Couch play, she threw down with a jaw slapping rendition of “Black Musical”.
Amber Iman started out the show as a true southern bell who took elegance and savoir faire to another level. As Ms. Pat in Git on Board, Amber pumped up the crowd with her sophisticated style and big mama comedy. Ms. Iman states the role took her through an ironman race of emotions that helped to establish the character’s authenticity. Next, she took us to perfection with her rendition of Girl in the Photo Session bringing American Top Model reality to the stage. Ms. Iman also showed us the massive span her thespian talents as she step out of Julliard and into the “Mama-on-the-Couch” living room in order to bring Medea Jones back to vivacity.
Enoch King showed us the extreme of his acting repertory. He brought Ms. Roj to the 21st century as the Drag Queen Activist with a snap as her deadly weapon. Mr. King presented us a drag persona that not only felt, understood and knew the pain, the hurt, and the frustrations of a brother but, at the same time, presented the dark horror of being homosexual in the black community. He then stepped into the role of Walter Lee Beau Willie Jones in the Last Mama-on-the-Couch play emoting the anger and frustration of generations of masculine black men who have gone through the hardships of just being black and male. Nevertheless, his most gut wrenching role was as the Man in Symbiosis, where he exuded the anguish and heartache of having to surrender who and what you are in order to fit into a stereotypical idea of what an American should act like and be. An outstanding actor, he performed all his roles with integrity, power and grit.
On a scale of 1 to 10 this is an 11. This entire performance was better than outstanding. Take your family, Take your Friend, Take anyone and everyone to see the profoundly prophetic performance of the iconic play, The Colored Museum as directed by Jasmine Guy. It runs March 22- April 17 at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. Make sure to get your tickets at http://truecolorstheatre.org/thecoloredmuseum
Beside this there are several opportunities that you can be a part of. One such opportunity is Disney Performing Arts programs. You get the best mentors and best theatre opportunities that can shape your future.