Rising star Yolanda Franklin takes on controversial character in Diversionary Theatre’s latest
By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Reporter
To be presented by Diversionary Theatre through April 28, Jeff Whitty’s “The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler” is a witty literary romp replete with characters other than Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda. By the time the commissioned play premiered at South Coast Repertory Theatre in 2006, Whitty – one of the creators of “Avenue Q” – had overcome his bitterness about never being cast as Hedda.
In addition to Hedda, “Further Adventures” playgoers will find Eilert Lovborg and George Tesman, Hedda’s suicide lover and her surviving husband, respectively. They hover around her as she seeks to change her fate in Whitty’s frantic comedy. So long as she is remembered by anyone alive, Hedda is destined to commit suicide unceasingly.
Hedda’s literary limbo, from which it appears there is no escape, is inhabited by others, including Jesus, two gay men that might be fugitives from “The Boys in the Band,” and Jar Jar Binks. On the distaff, we meet Medea, Tosca and Mammy. That’s right, Mammy of “Gone With the Wind.” Mammy is not politically correct these days, and thereby hangs a tale.
Rising star Yolanda Franklin, seen of late in “Trip to Bountiful” at New Village Arts, “The Little Flower of East Orange” at ion theatre, and “Sugar Witch” at OnStage Playhouse, said she was not in the least bothered with the prospect of playing the stereotypical Mammy. In fact she’s delighted.
Interviewed after the start of previews, Franklin told of a letter received by Diversionary stating the play is racist and should be taken down. The letter writer admitted leaving after Act I.
Franklin believes he should have stayed. What she loves most about the role is Mammy’s Act II transformation from Civil War “Gone With the Wind” slave to strong, self-possessed woman. This part of the play requires Franklin to sing – really sing whole songs, she said – and she has not done that on stage before.
Franklin is also elated over the company she keeps. She declares that cast mates Tony Houck (gay stereotype Steven), Jacque Wilke (Hedda) and Shana Wride (Medea) are master comedians. “We crack each other up all the time,” Franklin said, “and I am learning so much from them.” She also praised the detailed direction of Matt McGrath.
Franklin has been acting quite some time, but only recently came to be so firmly and positively entrenched in the theater community’s consciousness. She said the turning point came when Sean Murray cast her as one of the mothers in his production of “Our Town.”
“Then I did shows at ion, Moxie and New Village Arts, and suddenly the critics noticed me,” Franklin said, who has always been passionate about acting and theatre. Prior to Murray’s call she honed her craft at Point Loma Actors Theatre, Common Ground Theatre and the Ira Aldridge Players.
Franklin might be called ecstatic. She admits to being aggressive in going after what she wants, saying she is grateful for the turned corner, the roles she’s played, and for the inroads she’s made in film, television and commercial work.
“I’m not sure why I’ve been blessed, but I have worked hard and will continue to work hard in this field I’m so passionate about,” she said. In the world outside theater, she has a government job that involves a lot of math and organization, both of which are great practical skills for an actor.
As for that letter, she said, “The gentleman who left didn’t get to see Mammy’s transformation and the storyline about her bravery, her courage and her love for herself. He didn’t get to see her journey to the very end. That is what this play is about for me, seeking out a positive change, and no matter where you end up, seeing the journey to the very end.”
“The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler” plays now through April 28 at Diversionary Theatre, located at 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. For more information and tickets visit diversionary.org or call 619-220-0097.
