Shortly after “Yellowman” was produced at the McCarter Theatre in 2002, poet-turned playwright Dael Orlandersmith told American Theatre Magazine that she wanted “to write like a guitar lick or a slash of paint.” That she does; and, in one searing riff that up-settles one’s soul like rock and roll, San Diego audiences may experience the play for themselves at Cygnet Theatre through Feb. 11.
Commissioned by McCarter Theatre, developed at the Sundance Institute, and initially produced by a theatrical triumvirate that included McCarter, Wilma Theatre and Long Wharf Theatre, it was then produced off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club. “Yellowman” is a two-actor, multi-character work that narrates the story of the lifelong love between Alma (originally played by Orlandersmith) and her playmate and later lover, Eugene. Prior to that time, Orlandersmith had toured with Nuyorican Poets, performing her own poems. Then she had considerable success as an actor and began writing scripts for self-performance, such as “Monster,” “Beauty’s Daughter” and “The Gimmick.”
“Yellowman” is her first script for more than one performer. It unfolds in direct address filled in with interaction between multiple characters. Alma and Eugene relate their intertwined stories, portraying themselves and their parents, demonstrating their familial influences and how the messages received affected their lives but never their unfailing love for one another.
The play’s title refers to the term “high yellow,” a person of African-American descent with lighter skin. The issues are skin-color prejudice within the African-American community, messages of beauty, manliness and futility, as affected by the violence and familial abuse engendered by poverty and excessive alcohol consumption.
As onlookers identify with and root for Alma and Eugene, a sense of the impending tragedy sets in. The play is as inexorable as Greek tragedy. Due to the considerable talents of Monique Gaffney and Mark Broadnax as Alma and Eugene and the sensitivity of director Esther Emery, the experience of the play is disturbing and cathartic. One departs with numerous characters that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
The physical production ravishes the senses. Nick Fouch’s abstract set, with suggestions of brick, windows and Spanish moss, is redolent of South Carolina and is beautifully lighted by Eric Lotze.
“Yellowman” plays through Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Cygnet Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. For tickets ($25-$29), call (619) 337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com.
