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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham Being Chaka Also see Garrett's review of Confederates
The entire play, from conception to creation, is based on collaboration. The play is a shared vision of Tara Amber, Chuk Obasi (who also shares directing credit with Vieve Price), and Nalini Sharma. According to TÉA Artistry, the play is a result of an "exploration into how Americans apprehend the construct of race in their lives and how this affects the way they treat each other and the personal, practical, and institutional decisions they make." Though the play is titled Being Chaka, it is really an ensemble piece with several actors sharing their character's "lived experience." We are first introduced to the title character Chaka (performed passionately by Jarred Pearce), a Black high school student who has recently transferred to a predominantly white private school. He is joined by fellow classmates: the fiery Kunzang (an engaging Gabrielle Morell); and brother and sister Ethan and Maddy (convincingly portrayed by Hunter Crone and Emma Katherine Stone). They are beginning a newly implemented critical race theory curriculum at their school introduced by the principal Ms. K (Amanda Marikar). The system of study is under the guidance of two teachers, calm and reasonable Annalisa (Christa Irby) and a flighty P.E. teacher, Gunnar (an amazingly funny Andrew Price Carlile). Even though it is meant for noble reasons of dialogue, this system of study creates concerns and complaints from parents. Ethan and Maddy's mother Caroline (Joey Brenneman) and Chaka's mother Inaya (Miriam Yisroyel Tabb, giving a heart-wrenching performance) are both concerned for the well-being of their children, though sometimes at their children's expense. Inherited privilege and oppression are exposed on all sides as Chaka navigates this new environment. He grapples with lingering echoes of the past, metaphorically and literally, in the embodiment of two ghost figures, Willy and Purilla (Joseph Reese and Nikki Dublin Turner), whom Chaka can (for whatever reason) see and interact with as if he has a sixth sense. There is very little in set design beyond some repositioned chairs. The lighting design by Julianna Babcock and Juan Isler's sound design provide appropriate ambiance and help "fill in the blanks." And costumes by Jennifer Ijeoma are simple and appropriate. Vieve Price and Chuk Obasi cleverly work the actors into seats within the audience to make the audience characters themselves in various scenes. Each section of the black box theater gets attention and focus by the actors. There are scenes, however, that happen above in the catwalks that some audience members may not be able to see. This may cause mild confusion as to what is going on. Being Chaka is an intriguing piece of theatre. Though there may be questions of ambiguity (the ghost characters for example), the themes of identity, race and appropriation are quite clear. As the concept of critical race theory and its place in our education system is questioned in real time today, the play allows for a safe place to tackle hard questions. It welcomes all who wish greater understanding and unity of heart. Being Chaka, presented by the Burning Coal Theatre Company, runs through March 30, 2025, at the Murphey School Auditorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh NC. For tickets and information, please visit www.burningcoal.org or call 919-834-4001. Created by: TÉA Artistry Cast: |
