By Hannah Bower; Photo Credits to Sadie Jarolin
SU’s Theatre Department is proud to present “Appropriate,” which is coming to the stage next weekend. This edgy drama explores family tensions, ghosts of the past, and a history of racism that has been subconsciously passed down, all in the isolated countryside of a deteriorating Arkansas home.
Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, “Appropriate” is being directed by Erik Viker and assistant directed by senior theatre student Allie Rice. “This is my first time assistant directing and I am learning so much,” Rice shared. This was a beast of a show to tackle, but Rice felt fulfilled knowing she had earned the trust of the actors and the management team that helped her put the production together.
Additionally, senior theatre student Jazmyn Moodie is “Appropriate’s” dramaturg. Moodie revealed that it’s important to have black voices on the team for this show. The play deals with some heavy topics involving white characters’ perspectives on Black history, so reading/watching “Appropriate” for the first time often involves some discomfort. “I was also drawn to the idea of holding a talk back after the closing show to give people a place to discuss the show, because I know I would’ve appreciated that when I read the play for the first time,” she said.
So, what can audiences expect from “Appropriate?” Although I’ve read the play and am looking forward to seeing what our department will do with it, I knew Rice and Moodie could give better insight. “It draws you in and refuses to let you ignore its content,” Rice commented, highlighting the feel of the show. “The way it can make the [audience] momentarily empathize with the most unsympathetic people is fascinating.” Rice also pointed out that although the Lafayette family is written to be white, they are written through the lens of a black playwright. Moodie compared her own research on Black history to the characters’ gradual discoveries, calling them a “sobering experience.” “Every time you think you know something is bad, you do more digging and you find out something worse,” she explained, though many of “Appropriate’s” characters are in denial.
This play had to be handled with great care and sensitivity by all who were involved, and audiences are highly encouraged to experience the message of “Appropriate” for themselves. Both students on the directing team agree that this show is especially relevant for the American stage. “Black history hasn’t gone away, and the consequences of America’s actions are still affecting black people today. [“Appropriate”] asks us to take a look at ourselves and what we believe in,” Moodie said.
Rice added on with some prompting questions, forcing us to reflect: “What have you done or said in the past that you didn’t think much of at the time? What are internal biases you might carry that you didn’t even realize you had, and where did they come from? How do you react when people around you say something insensitive? Are you able to hold people accountable … [even] if it’s your friends, your family, or yourself?”
“Appropriate” runs from Nov. 13-15 at the Degenstein Theater, with evening shows at 7:30 and the closing matinee at 2:30. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office. Call 570-372-ARTS for more information.