"Yellowman" Review

The Providence Black Rep is hosting Dael Orlandersmith's "Yellowman" until March 12th at their beautiful location on Westminster Street in downtown. After reading so many wonderful reviews about this play and noticing that it was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize award I couldn't wait to see it.

My last journey into the Black Rep they were under renovation and my first impression walking in there last night was one of awe. The Xxodus Lounge is gorgeous! I was pleased to see that they offered both theatre seating as well as large booth seating all within close proximity of the stage. I was able to be comfortable in the booth but not be so far back as to miss any of the stage action.

"Yellowman" touches upon the very sensitive subjects of skin color amongst African-American southerners at the dawn of the civil rights movement. The lead actors begin the show by playing their characters at seven and nine years old with amazing clarity and believability. The show quickly progresses into a tale of color versus color all on the backdrop of falling in love.

Tamara Anderson's Alma was played beautifully and Providence native Aaron Andrade gave a riveting performance as Eugene. This play is not one to miss with an ending that is powerful and explosive.

Dael Orlandersmith has created a masterpiece that will make you think, make you feel, and maybe even make you cry.

"Yellowman"by Dael Orlandersmith
Directed by Don Mays
The Providence Black Repertory Company
276 Westminster StreetProvidence, RI 02903
www.BlackRep.org

Regina Foster

Jane, Mary, Kate, and Me

I just did a blog search with the name Regina to see just how many of us there are out there. I looked thru the first 50 of over 100 blog entries with MY name in it. It was crazy to see so many people named Regina, people who love women named Regina, cities named Regina, vacuums named Regina, tobasco sauce named Regina. How crazy is that?

I remember being little girl and everyone calling me Regina Steamer Carpet Cleaner (they still do and invariably always think they are the first to do so!) and wondering what my life would be like if I were named Jane, Mary, Kate, or even Jennifer. I always felt slighted because I would never have my name on barettes or those little license plates that we used to tie on our bikes in the 80's. I remember the day in the third grade that my name was taken to the next level. The day my Dad told me that it means Queen. After that I never cared if they ever made anything with my name on it because I had a title, status, instantaneous respect (at least in my mind).

Upon my discovery of my name being linked to blue blood royalty I felt special and no silly carpet cleaner song could take that away from me. I am unique. I am also the capital of Saskatewan, the name of a tobasco sauce, and well over 100 blog entries.

So I welcome my many Regina sisters into my universe. We are special. After all we are royalty.

Regina's Universe

Regina's Universe

St. Valentime's Day is here again and for the first time I am actually looking forward to it. Not because of the breathless anticipation of chocolate hearts and tokens of appreciation but because I don't want, expect, or need them. I find that in my relationship now that I am so content with him that his presence in my life everyday is far more beautiful than any box of damn chocolate. I find that he wakes up next to me (especially the way I snore) everyday and is pleased to see me. That he makes me smile when I look at him and we don't need to dominate eachother's space and time. So Happy St. Valentine's Day everyone and hopefully you will spend your day and blissfully and happily as I will spend mine.