Randuwa II: Constellation Theatre: Is God Is

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Constellation Theatre: Is God Is

As I've often told you, I do ZERO research before seeing a show. I like to take it in like a virgin, without expectation or complacency. However, there are times when knowing a little something can be helpful, too! "Is God Is" was the final offering from Constellation Theatre and my season subscription. And it was a big deal for me in another way, too. My first solo adventure back to a theatre post my lower back surgery in early June. In the end, on both counts, it was a success.

The story is an allegory with mythic aspirations. There is a mix of all too contemporary tragic familial and societal violence wrapped in an epic journey in search of revenge and justice and hip-hop and Afropunk. While there was enough gore and blood to please any Ancient Greek, there was also humor, which the audience seemed (at first) reticent to acknowledge. But I was fine with it and along with a couple of others managed to open up the room. It's understandable when you begin your story with twins who have been disfigured by horrible burns while toddlers.

The actors were all delightful, in for a penny, in for a pound. Their commitment to the work smoothed my path. The sets were simple and beautiful. The use of shadow puppetry was effective and creative bringing greater depth to the story-telling. Today's matinee was the play's penultimate performance, and final offering for the company's 17th season. I look forward to what season 18 will bring.

Anaia (Morgan Danielle Day) and Racine (Devin Nikki Thomas) twins about to embark on an epic journey of revenge and justice.

She (Jasmine Joy) their mother (a.k.a. God) who was horribly disfigured in a fire set by their father intended to kill her, but somehow she's lived on for nearly 20 years. Now, she commissions her daughters, also burned in the fire to exact justice against him.