When I watch a jungle-themed show, I always think: "They couldn't do any better than this ..."
The readers may remember that I gave a glowing review to the Jungle’s re-production of The Wolves in the last month. The powerful story of a girls' high school soccer club was told from and by the point of view of teenagers. This was an outstanding piece of writing and acting, which really reinforced for me the fact that the mere act of selecting a visionary director, like Sarah Rassmussen in this instance, can completely transform the atmosphere and value of theaters. The Jungle always does great work. However, the new generation of actors, directors, and creative teams is inspiring. It is inspiring to see the continued emphasis on young women and teenagers' voices.
School Girls is a fictional play based on a true story. The show is about ten Ghanaian girls competing to win the Miss Ghana pageant and all that comes with it, including fame, money, and the chance to travel for the Miss Universe Pageant. School Girls is a fictional story based on an actual event. It tells the tale of a group of Ghanaian girls competing for the Miss Ghana title and all the glory that comes with it, including the chance to compete in the Miss Universe competition. The winning girl is the one with the fairest skin. Some girls are lighter, have stronger singing voices, are more intelligent, are kind, or are richer. As only teenagers can, the girls are involved in a lot of backstabbing and infighting in order to get selected for the pageant. The bullying described in Mean Girls, aka Lindsay Lohan’s most famous film, is surpassed by this. This play shows both the good and the bad sides of the world. When I tried to recall another performance I had seen that featured an all-black cast, I only remembered Nina Simone Four Women at Park Square Theater. (I could also count colored girls...which was performed at Penumbra in 2011 and was equally impressive). This is the first time I've seen a group of black women who are so talented and vivacious onstage. Ashe Jaafaru, the protagonist (antihero?) is positively captivating. Paulina. Paulina's character is complex - ruthless and cunning. She can be abusive, aggressive and ambitious. Jaafaru's sharply barbed performance often causes gasps in the audience. She is in stark contrast with the sweet personalities of other characters such as Paulina's supposed friend Ama, played by Aishe Kitty. Gifty (Nimene Sierra Würeh), Mercy (Kiara Jackson), Nana and Salome Mergia. Eponine Datta's Ericka is simple, lovable and cunning at first glance but gets more cunning the closer the competition approaches. Ivory Doublette brings a wonderful sense of humor to the story as Francis, the kind-hearted Headmistress. Hope Cervantes, as Miss Ghana's recruiter Eloise amponsah is delightfully devious. Hope Cervantes' pointed lines highlight the ripple effects that contests like Miss Universe may have on those of us who are so committed to them.
It was great to see the production in such bright colors, a stark contrast with the cold spring that we are experiencing. Seitu and Bianca Janine Pettis designed a cafeteria set that's brightly illuminated, but still manages to capture many different levels of importance as character backgrounds are revealed. Ghanaian Jacqueline Addison created a colorful collection of costumes that includes bright school uniforms. Beautiful headwraps are also included. The 1980's style prom dresses will please even the most nostalgic viewers. Karin Olson's painterly light design seamlessly changes the scene from night to day and back, and Katharine Horowitz's subtle sound design lets you hear the pin drop at the most suspenseful times. Sha Cage is a visionary who created a team of people that are clearly passionate about their work. The show runs so well, you barely know when it finishes. And we were all left wanting more after the final curtain. applause.
For the first time in a very long time I felt like staying for a chat after the performance (even on a Monday night), this was a show I hadn't seen before. Our conversation after the show was very productive. I was particularly interested to know how the audience of Jungle Jungle (mostly white and old) were able to connect with a black and young play. There were many different connection points in India African Girl African Call Girls Gurgaon Iffco Chowk. There are many themes to be explored, from racism and classism to gender inequality and judgements made based on one's country of origin to colonialism. The final theme is apartheid. Jocelyn Bayoh's screenplay is complex and daring, exposing the ugly side of Western beauty ideals and Anglo-centric standards. It may shock audiences who may not have heard of terms like apartheid or fairness creams. This thrilling, tension-filled play in Jungle will only be playing until April 14. Book your tickets today before the show closes. This young, beautiful, intelligent and vibrant ensemble is a #MustWatch. To purchase your tickets or find out more, click here.
