Moise Robert sees theater as “an emotional roller coaster ride” for audiences.
The Haitian American writer, actor and artistic director of the young Worcester-based Revolution Drama Crew (RevDc ) wants theatergoers to “laugh through your tears.” His newest play, “Color-Blind,” does just that by blending comedy and drama that makes a moving statement about equality and the power of love and understanding.
The roller coaster ride begins with an earthy black grandmother whose medical student granddaughter Sakwaya finds herself in love with a fellow would-be doctor named Jake. Sakwaya is ready to introduce her fiancé to her parents Poze and Anna, with whom the grandmother lives. The catch is that Jake is white and Sakwaya is unsure how her family will receive him.
Early on, Anna displays understanding with Jake and a willingness to put Sakwaya’s happiness above any uncertainty she might have about Jake.
As in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” the resistant parent is the father. Is he prejudiced in reverse? Is there a special reason why he seems intolerant to Jake?
Playwright Robert does eventually reveal a highly personal situation that explains Poze’s rage about the engagement.
As Sakwaya’s father comes to grips with his own attitudes, he finally realizes that all people must be approached on an individual basis.
“Color-Blind,” to its credit, never glosses over ongoing discrimination. Poze rightly insists that racism exists. Yet, he begins to forge a father and son-like relationship with Jake.
Robert proves himself a triple threat as writer, director and actor. “Color-Blind” puts uncomfortable but real tensions into sharp relief. At the same time, this affecting play progresses to moving moments of truth, most notably between Poze and Sakwaya.
There is some slapstick overkill in scenes with Sakwaya’s quirky grandmother, but there are also cleverly humorous exchanges in which misperceptions by the grandmother about Jake speak volumes.
Through most of the two-act play, director Robert effectively paces both serious and lighthearted dialogue. He captures Sakwaya’s strong spirit as well as her vulnerability.
There is good chemistry between her and Cody Savoy as Jake, though Savoy needs more visible emotion during moments of conflict as well as understanding. He does pull off a sharp flip of celebration after his character successfully proposes to Sakwaya.
Irene Kiarie finds all of Anna’s heart and inner strength in emotional moments with Poze, Sakwaya and Grandma. Robert catches Poze’s dangerous temper with Sakwaya and Anna on the one hand and his great feeling with both at moments of reflection on the other.
The playbill purposely leaves the identity of the talented performer playing Grandma — alternately a volatile character and a buffoon — a mystery.
The best moment of the final curtain is the revelation of this person’s identity.
The playbill describes Robert’s company as “dedicated to unveiling social issues, bold programming with a highly comedic and dramatic insight.” An entertaining young voice in area theater, RevDc lives up to its mission statement with a timely message about family and human dignity.
Upcoming shows:
August 11, 7:30pm
American International College
1000 State St
Springfield, MA
Sept 22, 7:30pm
22 Faith Ave
Auburn, MA
October 19, 7:30pm
Wesley Auditorium
114 Main St
Worcester, MA
To buy tickets click here
