In FLOW, a fast-paced, unconventional and funny musical, playwright Will Power plays with the power of words and storytelling by perfectly intertwining music, dance and dialogue into an eclectic mix of history and urban culture.
Power compellingly describes characters of the urban neighborhood, where the worlds are constantly changing.
The heart of the story is the life, death and revival of the storytellers’ circle. What initially started off as a three-minute vignette with three storytellers’ tale of survival in the neighborhood, evolved into much more, thanks to Power’s imagination.
FLOW is designed to demonstrate the vitality of keeping storytelling alive through passing generations.
Power, a New Yorker with a soft spot for the historically and culturally rich South Side of Chicago, was ecstatic to bring his work to a place, which he says — outside of Harlem — is one of the most influential African American communities in the country.
“We are the storytellers responsible for the survival of our stories,” said director Sonita Surratt.
Set on an empty dark stage, the dialogue fills in all blanks through the breakout performances of the play’s two characters, Rashaad Hall and Deja K. Taylor, and understudy Lisa B.
The actors’ undeniable chemistry lends itself to the ever-evolving characters and changing cultural backdrops throughout the entire 90-minute span of the show.
The long monologues accompanied by hip-hop classics such as “Summer Time” by Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff instantly usher in memories of the good old days.
A comedic highlight of the show included the Fred the Roach skit, where MC and DJ, the two characters, animated the life of a roach.
Although playful, FLOW begs its audience to consider that if storytellers die, that our history disappears and our culture, will become nonexistent.
So, who’s got next? –angela wilson
See FLOW Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. as the first show in Governors State University’s “One More Night” series, which brings the best in Chicago theater out to the south suburbs for one final performance. Tickets range in price from $30 to $39, and are available by calling (708) 235-2222 or online at www.centertickets.net. Special $15 tickets for students are available with student ID (in-person only at GSU’s Box Office, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Ill. 60484).
–angela wilson
