A Play that Exposes the Common Vice of Diversity Quotas in Predominantly White Institutions
If I have not seen a show before, I like going in as blank as possible to have the production set and learn with it. That was the case with Scripps Ranch Theatre year opener White. But then, as it usually happens now because my brain is retaining less and less information, I saw who the playwright was and a colleague sitting with me said, “We have seen other works by James Ijames. I believe it was Fat Ham.” My eyebrow raised. As gorgeous as that production was, along with its lead, it left a big question mark (as well as an Excellence in Journalism award).
With White, it was different…
Gus (Joey Landwehr) is a plastic artist who wants his work to get into the prestigious institution where his friend Jane (Noelle Caliguri) works. Jane is changing the art game by only accepting artists of color into this new exhibit. Gus, appalled and auto-victimizing himself for reverse racism, looks for alternatives. Embracing his “inner Black woman.” Gus experiences an apparition from none other than Diana Ross (Mysia Anderson) -with a halo and feels encouraged to go after what he wants no matter the cost. Ted Leib’s sound design is an incredible key asset, making the scene pop. Gus employs Vanessa (also Mysia Anderson), an actress who is friends with his partner Tanner (Kevin Phantom), and together, they come up with what seems to be the roundest performance/ protest art until it bounces back.
Yolanda Marie Franklin directs a solid cast of actors, marking a rhythmic stage beat that goes nonstop from beginning to end, allowing space for shock and consideration while keeping it moving. Most scenes are in pairs, and Franklin captured the strong interactions from James Ijames’s pages. Noelle Caliguri, in her SRT debut, is bubbly and curated as Jane, with a good tone and movement. Her scenes with Joey Landwehr and Mysia Anderson get the laughs along with the “ohs and ahs.”. Joey’s usage of the space reflects his training and experience on the boards with fine modulation. Kevin Phantom would seem to be a surrounding character, but no. Tanner dots the I’s and crosses those T’s, tightening the tones of racism and quotas. Mysia Anderson is an absolute joy in her interpretations, from pop diva royalty to the actress in the skit within the play, bringing flare and perspective to reality. The setting in the piece is the art world, but honestly, the space has been highjacked all across for centuries with contradicting narratives between racism and cultural appropriation. There is even a line about physical features and plastic surgery that is mind-blowing.
John Spafford’s set design with Duane McGregor’s props and set dressing is one of the best Scripps Ranch has hosted, with turntable dynamics and couches coming and going. The entrance to the theatre is adorned with painting frames that welcome audiences. Almost everything onstage is one color, accentuating the piece’s message. Cassandra Crawford’s costume design, mainly for the women is fun, colorful, and glittery, with attention to detail. Gasp worthy for sure. The Craig Noel Awards are next week, and I would not mind flaunting some of those ensembles. The color palette for the wardrobe went hand in hand with Deanna Trethewy’s lighting and made each scene shine.
Ijames created the most accurate puzzle using truth, comedy, illusion, and blurred chronicles, illustrating the constant flaw within most organizations when they aim to embark on EDI: quotas instead of inclusion. How labels overshadow and continue giving/getting space. The integrated work between Marti Gobel’s dramaturgy, DEI consultant Jamila Demby, and intimacy director D. Candis Paule came through, making this work’s message clear and to the point with an entertaining delivery.
White is currently playing until March 9 at Scripps Ranch Theatre. For more information on tickets and performance times, please click here.
And remember, theatre is not expensive when gifting yourself. There is always a way to find good seats at a price that fits every wallet.
