In a perfect world. the color of a person’s skin would not matter. All people despite race, creed, or religion should have equal rights and equal access to opportunities. That’s the law. But what about a person’s individual perceptions about color? The play Colorblind addresses this very issue. Playing Off-Broadway at the Actor’s Temple Theater, Colorblind uses a well developed story to address the issue of perception as it delves into a study of long-standing racial inequality in America. A strong cast turns in very fine performances as the story unfolds making this a show to be seen. There are questions that get answered but others that arise from what occurs in the play.
Colorblind comes from the New York based theater company Outside Studios. The show had a world premiere at The Meta Theater in Los Angeles in 2013. The four-week engagement extended to eight weeks due to the run’s sold-out performances. The successful run at The Meta Theater was followed by another successful eight-week run at the Santa Monica Playhouse Currently, performances are in New York City at the Actors Temple Theater.
Strong Characters are Featured in the Story
Colorblind was written by NAACP Award-Winning Playwright Wallace Demarria who also plays the lead role and co-directs with Amanda Niqole. Demarria spent three and half years developing and writing the script. According to notes in the program handout, “He felt it was imperative to give each and every character a voice without demoralizing or victimizing anyone.” This comes through very well as the story unfolds because strong characters drive the story. The development of each of them is presented in a manner that moves at a quick pace thus enabling more understanding of what is at stake.
The story told in Colorblind centers on the concepts of a group named in the show as the Minority Empowerment Movement (MEM) and its very charismatic but controversial spiritual leader Clinton Muhammad. Wallace Demarria plays the outspoken advocate against “the oppression and discrimination” of minorities. He has his devoted followers who deem him a source of power for all. Mr. Demarria gives an outstanding performance throughout the entire play. His ability to shift from a source of strength to a man who shows internal fears is a tribute to the range of versatility he displays.
A staff member, Janet Smith, works in the MEM offices. Smith, who is played by Dana Harris, takes care of public relations issues as well as keeping the office running smoothly and calming Clinton at times. Because of all she does, Clinton says, “Black women are the closest thing to God we have on this planet.” Although he admires Janet, he is not able to return the affection that she has for him and this is disappointing to her. Ms. Harris’ performance is crucial to the play and she delivers a very memorable performance. In fact, one of the scenes towards the end of the show where she tearfully tells Clinton that she “cannot be #2” is one of the most moving scenes in the show.
Violence Rears its Ugly Head
Appearances on television, at rallies, and press releases all keep Clinton teaching love of self. When asked if he loves America, he replies that he does love it so he doesn’t turn his head away from issues that indicate cries for help.
This notoriety brings a high price. There is discontent brewing with some of the MEM members. A plot hatches to remove Clinton which is done with an explosion to a car and his injuries are severe. He is transported to a facility but the location and name of the place is kept hidden from everyone. His followers continue to question why, especially Janet Smith who holds out hope for months that he is still alive.
At the health care facility, Clinton receives treatment from Dr. Yolanda Evans who is white. Jessica Catalano plays Dr. Evans who shows a very humanistic side of a physician as she allows herself to really get to know her patient. Clinton does not realize she is white because his sight was damaged in the explosion. As they get to know each other, his perception is that she is black because of the neighborhood where she grew up. But he eventually learns the reality.
The two fall in love which leads to the major questions of this show: Can someone who holds such strong beliefs about his own race ever truly love and plan a life with someone who is a different race? How acceptable is the situation to people who are looking on?
The rest of this fine cast includes Joseph Salvatore Knipper, Greg Warren, Hank Dennis, Valence Thomas, and Jeremy Rosenblum.
What are the Answers to These Questions?
Are there answers to these questions in this show? You need to see Colorblind and decide for yourself.
The play runs approximately 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Learn more about the show and how to get tickets at the Actors Temple Theater website.
