The Brothers Size: By Tarell Alvin McCraney at Island City Stage

The next addition to our "Dans Le Avant Garde" series. In the Louisiana bayou, big brother Ogun Size is hardworking and steady. Younger brother Oshoosi is just out of prison and aimless. Elega, Oshoosi's old prison-mate, is a mysterious complication. A simple circle defines a world that beings in ritual and evolves into a touch and tender drama of what it means to brother and be brothered. Flights of poetry, music, dance, and West African mythology combine in a contemporary tale that explores the tenuousness of freedom and the need to belong somewhere, to something, to someone. 

Following the matinee performance on June 24, we will have a talkback entitled “Bein' a Brutha”, focusing on masculinity and brotherhood in the Black Male community. In addition, we will delve into the traditional emotional tendencies in male culture, and explore concepts of love, weakness, the black male body, and effeminacy. Featuring “Universal Man” Mo Beasley, Researcher/Educator, Brian Knowles, and Co-Founder of Project T.H.U.G, David L. Jackson, the essence of this talkback will unpack how non-sexual relationships between men are tainted and looked down upon, as well as, the effects of those responses, be it emotional instability or generational traumas.

This production contains strong language and mature content.

“THE BROTHERS SIZE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.(www.dramatists.com)”