Mo’olelo mounts significant work magnificently in its production of Chicago playwright Mia McCullough’s “Since Africa,” which plays at Diversionary Theatre through Oct. 29.
In a series of beautifully staged and acted scenes, the episodic play takes the audience on a journey through the acculturation of Ater Dhal (Alephonsion Awer Deng), one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Having lived most of his life in a refugee camp, where he was taught English, Ater struggles to become accustomed to life in Chicago.
Diane MacIntyre (Rosina Reynolds), a wealthy, recently widowed matron, is a volunteer who helps and advises Ater as he struggles with processed foods, a new culture, new customs, continuing education and a job. She clashes with Ater’s other helper, Catholic Church deacon Reggie Hudson (Mark Christopher Lawrence) and with her college-age daughter, Eve (Erika Beth Phillips).
The play’s confrontational scenes between Diane and Eve and Diane and Rev. Hudson are extraordinarily and realistically written. Despite the heat of passionate feelings and positions, no one overplays the anger, truly a tribute to the actors and their director Seema Sueko, co-founder and artistic director of Mo’olelo. The company is dedicated to broadening the scope of San Diego theatre by telling powerful, diverse and relevant stories.
Deng is author of the book “They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky,” which relates the personal experiences of three Lost Boys, him, his brother and Benjamin Ajak. When he was 7, his village in Southern Sudan was attacked by government troops. He and many other young boys fled for five years and more than a thousand miles, finally arriving at a Kenyan refugee camp. In 2001, the U.S. government welcomed him and other Lost Boys to America. A San Diego resident, Deng appeared in the film “Master and Commander.” “Since Africa” marks his stage debut.
Deng’s personal knowledge of all the play depicts shines through his performance and deepens one’s connection with and empathy for Ater. Reynolds turns in a luminous portrayal of Diane, who is just as lost as Ater. Her husband died on one of their trips to Africa, and though she thinks she knows the country, her knowledge is limited to artifacts, art and superficialities.
Phillips is grand as the equally needy Eve, who struggles against her mother’s dominance and disapproval. Their mother-daughter connection is so real it is painful. Lawrence turns in his best performance to date as the slightly pompous clergyman, who looks for his identity as an African-American certain he’s many generations diluted from his own roots.
Swirling through each scene is The Statue (beautiful dancer Nyeda Lane), who seems to represent everyone’s unexpressed longing for Africa, wholeness and life.
Though interspersed with a monologue for each character and several for Diane, the play seems long due to its episodic nature; but it is so fascinating, so well made, that the viewer savors every moment. The design elements are top-notch indeed, with costumes by Jeannie Galioto, choreography by Suzanne Forbes-Vierling, scenic design by Nick Fouch, lighting by Kim Palma, and sound by Paul Peterson.
Deeply committed to education, Mo’olelo knows how to make theatre that is intelligent, magical and relevant. Moreover, they know how to market the magic. What an amazing combination.
Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. Remaining performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; 2 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29; 7 p.m. October 25. Though all seats are sold except for Oct. 26 and reservations are no longer taken, Mo’olelo welcomes walk-ins. Patrons without tickets may show up at the door, and in the event of no-shows will be accommodated. More information is available at www.moolelo.net or by calling (619) 342-7395.
Bear in mind that parking is challenging due to numerous restaurants in the area.