by Lonnie the Theater Lady
The much-anticipated world premiere of Mark Souther’s play, “The Art of Wise”, the fifth in his 19th Century Collection, set in the 1820’s on a cotton plantation in Alabama does not disappoint. It explores several themes through the eyes of two families (both having the surname Wise) living on the same plantation under radically different circumstances. The white Wise family are the plantation owners who own the black enslaved Wise family.
Samantha (Maddie Kocur), daughter of plantation owners, Jonathan (Joseph McGranaghan) and Sarah (Jenny Malarkey), is less than enthusiastic about taking the private painting lessons that her parents foist upon her. They’re thrilled about what they believe is her exceptional artistic talent, at such a young age.
Conversely, Amale (Adjoa Opoku-Dakwa), a young house slave, relishes observing the painting lessons. Amale and Samantha develop a tenuous friendship based on keeping each other’s secrets.
L-R – Karla C. Payne, David Minniefield, Joseph McGranaghan*, Adjoa Opoku-Dakwa, Maddie Kocur and Justus Payne.
Photographer: J.L. Martello/18ricco
Bendoo (Sheldon Ingram) the strong, loving patriarch of his enslaved family, wife Oni (Karla C. Payne), son Albert (Justus Payne) and daughter Amale, yearns for his family’s freedom so he can fulfill his dream of returning to his beloved village in Africa with them. It appears that art could be the ticket to their freedom.
Sheldon Ingram and Adjoa Opoku-Dakwa
Photographer: J.L. Martello/18ricco
It would be a spoiler to reveal any of the shocking situations that occur in this intricately written gripping script. Suffice it to say that it addresses many weighty themes—-betrayal, revenge, deception and the immorality and brutality of the slavery system. The serious themes are counterbalanced by the themes of familial love, devotion, friendship and their power to bring light into difficult situations. Several beautiful, dreamlike, lighthearted scenes accompanied by music, depict a perfect existence and lighten the mood.
The entire cast impresses with their unflagging emotional authenticity.
Ingram touchingly portrays Bendoo’s strength, resolve and love for his family.
Karla C. Payne’s poignant portrayal of Oni is genuine and at times heart wrenching. Her love for Bendoo is palpable.
McGranaghan expertly embodies the brutal, smug, self-important, idealogue. He is convinced of his own superiority and makes it easy for the audience to dislike Jonathan.
Malarkey’s Sarah radiates intelligence and an empathy that her husband lacks. She’s convincing as a loving woman who’s somewhat limited by the social mores of the times.
Kocur creates a sympathetic Samantha, boxed in by her own deceptions and youthful indiscretions.
David Minniefield’s remarkable embodying of severely abused Campie is soul crushing.
Adjoa Opoku-Dakwa, a ninth-grade student and Justus Payne, an eighth grader are current and I predict future, stage stars. Their youth in no way limits their accomplished performances. Both delivered their lines perfectly and gave emotionally natural performances.
Kudos to the dynamic team of Mark Southers (playwright), Monteze Freeland (director) and Tony Ferrieri (set designer) for working together to produce this achingly beautiful, exceptional production.
Not only does “Art of Wise” tell a riveting, gripping story but it’s a consequential glimpse into what once was. Don’t miss this brilliant production.
LtTL
“Art of Wise”, a Pittsburgh Playwrights production, runs through May 4 at the Madison Arts Center.
For more information, click here.
