In The Red and Brown Water

“In the Red and Brown Water” by Tarell Alvin McCraney is a coming of age story about a spunky runner named Oya. Oya can earn a track scholarship for any school, yet she declines her offers to take care of her mother, Momma Moja. When Oya’s mother dies recently after, Oya’s metamorphosis from a young girl into an independent woman begins. Oya goes through an emotional journey after not only with love affairs, but also with herself.

The most important part of the story to me is when Oya’s mother died. She was what held her together. It was clear from her she taught her a set of morals and values that she had to carry on the rest of the story. At one point in the story her lover Shango gets to her by saying the Momma Moja will always be in her heart and with her. This is a breaking point for Oya where she gives in, falls for Shango, and allows herself to be treated poorly by him. This is something Moja would not have put up with. Oya needed to learn some lessons on her own without her mother’s protectiveness, but with her as a guide to maturity.

Tarell Alvin McCraney not only wrote a fantastic plot, but interesting dialogue as well, which can be one of the most difficult to write. The dialogue sometimes sounded poetic though other times was slightly incomprehensible with the heavy usage of slang. With the script, anyone can agree though the most compelling part of the play was the fact the characters used stage direction along with dialogue. Direction such as “Enter Shango” and “Oya smiles”, to list a few, was not only experimental, but shifted your focus in the play. You were able to understand the character’s emotions more clearly which made it easier on the actors.

            I have seen many live theater performances before in various theaters and with various mediums. Living so close to the city, I have had the wonderful opportunities to see dozens of Broadway shows to name a few Rent, Wicked, Cats, and 42^nd Street. I enjoy going to dance shows as well and have seen numerous performances from Alvin Alley Company, New York City Ballet, and even Radio City Rockettes. This performance was in fact my first live theater show I’ve seen in State College let alone any college. I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism the actors portrayed and how they stayed true to their characters. Although lacking in props, scenery and extravagant music in the other shows I’ve seen in the past, it gave this show an intimate environment that fit the nature of the show.

            I thought the actors were well fit for the show and very talented. I enjoyed my time at the Playhouse Theater, yet at times I felt uncomfortable. The dialogue included a lot of profanity and language that would make me cringe. I think this is what art is supposed to do. It is better if art gives you negative feelings than no feelings at all by pushing boundaries. It is better if art resents our understanding of the world to give us new meaning and outlook.