“berta, Berta“ at the Echo Theater: A Powerful Resonance of History and Love
The Echo Theater Company‘s production of “Berta, Berta” isn’t simply a play; it’s an experience. This intimate revival of Angelina Weld Grimké’s 1916 work delivers a potent exploration of love, race, and the enduring legacy of oppression. It’s a production that stays with you long after the curtain falls, and one that benefits profoundly from innovative audience engagement.
Grimké’s play, a landmark of early 20th-century African American drama, centers on Berta and Leroy, a couple grappling with societal constraints and personal demons in the Jim Crow South. The play’s power lies in its raw honesty and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
Performances that Command Attention
The strength of this production rests heavily on the performances of its leads. Erica Hanrahan-Bronstein’s Berta provides a grounded, relatable center. She skillfully portrays a woman navigating a world that seeks to limit her, offering a quiet strength that anchors the tumultuous energy around her.
Conversely, Darius Christopher embodies Leroy with a captivating, almost overwhelming physicality. Director Alana Deutsch sometimes allows Christopher to push the boundaries of Leroy’s volatility. However, this serves a crucial purpose: reminding you of the character’s history as a Black man denied essential freedoms and separated from his soulmate. Leroy’s explosive energy isn’t merely theatrical; it’s a manifestation of generations of suppressed pain.
As the relationship between Berta and Leroy deepens, the actors find a stunning rhythm. Their playful interactions and growing intimacy allow the “Wagnerian” scale of their love to settle into something more tender and believable, without diminishing its inherent power.
The Impact of a “Black Out” Performance
I attended a designated “Black Out” performance, a concept championed by playwright Jeremy O. Harris during the broadway run of his “Slave Play.” These performances create a space for Black audiences to experience the work in community. While the practice faced some criticism in London for perceived exclusion, the benefits of fostering communal art experiences, notably for historically underrepresented groups, are undeniable.
initially, I offered to attend a different performance, hesitant to occupy a seat intended for a community member. However, the show’s publicist assured me there was room and welcomed my presence. This inclusivity is vital.
The atmosphere during the “Black out” performance was electric. The audience’s response revealed a deep connection to the material. Berta and Leroy’s struggles weren’t simply observed; they where felt. Amused recognition greeted their tempestuous exchanges, and audible empathy accompanied the threats they faced.This shared experience highlighted the play’s enduring relevance. What might have felt like dramatic contrivances in another setting felt strikingly realistic within this context. The production’s living connection with the audience illuminated the folktale romance’s ancient weight and lyrical beauty.
Why You Should See “Berta, Berta”
“Berta, berta” is more than just a historical drama.It’s a timely and relevant exploration of love, identity, and the enduring impact of systemic oppression. You’ll find yourself captivated by the performances, moved by the story, and challenged by its themes.
If you’re looking for theater that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, this production is a must-see.
‘Berta, Berta’
Where: Echo Theater Company, Atwater Village Theater, 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles
when: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and mondays; 4 p.m. Sundays. Ends Aug. 25
Tickets: $38 Fridays, saturdays and Sundays; pay-what-you-want Mondays
Contact: www.EchoTheaterCompany.com or (747) 350-8066
* Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (no intermission)
