Gender Bias and Racism

The Confederates

Throughout this mesmerizing, award-winning one-act by Dominique Morisseau (AIN’T TOO PROUD, SUNSET BABY, SKELETON CREW), now playing appropriately during Black History Month, we find that time is fluid. As the play unfolds, we discover ourselves immersed in two gripping stories that focus on gender bias and racism. And this riveting play, set both during the Civil War and in modern day Academia, often defies categorization by genre. In Ms. Morisseau’s play, there are equal elements of comedy and satire balanced by drama and pure surprise.

Directed with power and poignancy by Aaron Reese Boseman, and Assisted by Jasmine Robertson, this gripping production should reaffirm to theatergoers that Redtwist Theatre is one of Chicago’s finest and most reliable storefront venues. Featuring an adaptable and flexible Scenic Design by Kevin Rolfs, Lighted with atmosphere by Quinn Chisenhall and sporting authentic-looking modern and period attire by Costume Designer Marquecia Jordan, this is one magnificent production, from start to finish.

The play flip-flops between its two lead characters, Sandra and Sara. Sandra is a respected, African-American professor who teaches political science at a contemporary and prestigious university. As the play opens, Sandra is responding to a disturbing picture that’s been posted on her office door. It depicts a Black woman nursing a White baby. While the image isn’t all that offensive in itself, the fact that someone has photoshopped Sandra’s face onto the picture says, in essence, that this Black instructor prefers to show special favor while coddling her White students. Understandably offended by the implication of racial favoritism, Sandra sets out to identify the guilty party. Sandra, is portrayed with strength and a sharp wit by Ensemble Member, Monique Marshaun.

Sara (brilliantly played by the excellent Shenise Brown) is a slave during the War Between the States, somewhere in the Deep South. When we first meet Sara, she’s ministering to a severe wound inflicted on her soldier brother, Abner. He’s played with intensity and substance by Makari Robinson-McNeese. This talented actor also plays Malik, an African-American college student who, at the top of the play, is seen arguing with the Sandra about the grade she gave him on a paper.

Sara would love the freedom she observes that’s granted to men, like her brother. She’d love to learn how to handle a rifle, to be able to read and write, and to have the freedom to leave the plantation, where she’s indentured. Her overly-affectionate mistress, Missy Sue (played with cringing affection by Ensemble Member Madelyn Loehr, who also dynamically portrays Sandra’s White Assistant), promises to help. With Missy Sue’s assistance, Sara is eventually able to trade in her position as a lowly field hand to being a more respective house slave. The new position also puts Sara in a position to go through her Master’s papers and materials. And, with profound determination, Sara finally gains the freedom afforded her male counterparts by becoming a Union Spy.

This play unloads a lot during its 100-minute length…far too many details and plot turns to reveal in a theatre review. In addition, relating any more about these two stories would deprive the theatergoer of the many surprises that await a viewing of this enthralling play. Aaron Reese Boseman’s excellent production really must be experienced to be appreciated. Look, also, for a terrific performance by Toccara Castleman who portrays both LuAnne and Jade. She’s magnificent in both roles. Relish all five of the excellent Chicago actors who bring this story to life. This play, by one of America’s finest contemporary playwrights, defies being pigeonholed into one category. But, as it rages onward toward its explosive conclusion, the exploration of racism and gender bias, both then and now, is entertaining and offers a powerful message that audiences will never forget.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 1-March 8 by Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.RedtwistTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com