Every student can relate to questioning whether or not they made the right choice in their major, class schedule and even in their personal lives. Everyone has to make choices and each choice has positive and negative consequences. “In The Red and Brown Water” is a play that examines this with humor and heart.
The play is written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter for Moonlight. Since July 2017, McCraney has been the chair of playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. “In The Red and Brown Water” is a part of McCraney’s Brother/Sister play trilogy. Some of McCraney’s other works include the Broadway hit Choir Boy and Wig Out!
The cast and crew have been working on the show since February. Some of them shared what the show means to them and why it is important for this show to be performed at Winthrop.
Theatre major Shakira Wiggins plays Aunt Elegua in the show. She explained the story and her role. “The show is about a young runner named Oya who has to choose between taking a life changing scholarship or staying and helping those she loves” Wiggins said. Regarding her character, Wiggins said, “Although, Elegua has a playful nature about her, she is a guide to many characters.”. Regarding her personal experience with the show, Wiggins said, “This show has been an amazing experience and is filled with a wonderful cast and crew. I believe it is extremely important for the growth of our theatre department to experience different stories on stage.”
Kj Adams is a freshman theatre major who plays Ogun in the show. “To me the show means love will always be a rollercoaster. just don’t forget your seatbelt,” Adams said.
Keshawna “Kiki” Brown, a tech theatre and design major plays Mama Moja. Brown explained a personal connection she has to the characters. “They remind me of my family and it gives me a spiritual connection I embrace in order to take on the role,” Brown said.
Theatre education major Coby Bloomer plays The Man from the State. “This show is important because it features an African American woman as the lead,” Bloomer said. “It also presents and deals with real topics and we can all relate to Oya’s battle with herself and her situation.”
“In The Red and Brown Water” will play in Johnson Theatre from Wednesday, April 3 through Saturday, April 6 at 8:00 p.m, with a final performance April 7 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are only $8 with a Winthrop ID and can be purchased at the box office or online. The production does contain strong language and is not suitable for children. The performance is also a part of Rock Hill’s Come See Me Festival, so those planning to attend should buy tickets in advance.
