BWW Reviews: RUINED Brings Africa to the Triangle

Burning Coal Theatre Company's ambitious production of Ruined tells of the lives of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Amid a conflict which has no clearly defined "good guys," the women have little reprieve from the violence and well-established culture of sexual abuse. In a world where children are handed automatic weapons, no one is safe. The story follows Mama Nadi as she runs her own business, which is half bar and half brothel. Mama takes in women to work for her in the brothel, and it can be argued that the women are significantly safer there with Mama Nadi, since they cannot return to their villages and have no way of protecting themselves or earning income elsewhere. Making her own way as a single woman in war-torn Africa, Mama Nadi is rare. Three women who work for her, Josephine, Salima, and Sophie, are featured in the story. Mama takes a big risk by taking in Sophie, a girl who is "ruined." The meaning of "ruined" is not explicitly evident, but it's clear that it devastatingly awful. Mama Nadi's is a somewhat neutral place, as men from both sides of the conflict patronize the establishment. Mama is no-nonsense, and maintains a strict "leave your bullets at the bar" policy.

The ensemble cast, led by Rozlyn Sorrell as Mama Nadi, brings the play to life. Sorrell is well-cast as the matriarch the show, and shows range as an actress, bringing out comedic moments from the serious material. Other noteworthy performances include Byron Jennings as Christian, a sort of redeeming figure in a hopeless place, and Reanna Roane as Sophie, a girl who may be ruined, but still has her wits about her and her head held high.

The set, made from what appears to be old pallet wood, is well made and well decorated, despite some props that seem a little too clean and new to be in such a shop in a war-torn, impoverished region. The best part of the set is that quartet of portraits of women hanging above. The paintings, done by set designer Morag Charlton are thoughtfully lit throughout the show, and punctuate the play beautifully.

The audience seating is raked on such a gradual incline that, unless you sit in the front row or on the aisle (or perhaps up on the balcony), sight lines are not good and there's a lot that you'll miss out on. Most of the audience will miss an entire (important) scene in which the women are sitting on the floor, as well as have trouble seeing things happening at the tables throughout Mama Nadi's.

Salima's final cry, "You will not fight your battles on my body anymore," rings throughout the theater as the play's haunting themes hit nerves untouched before. Ruined is so far removed from everyday life in America, but its themes and characters still hit something deep down, some universal humanity. The production at Burning Coal is nicely done and well worth your time.

Ruined runs through April 28. For tickets and more information, visit www.burningcoal.org.

Photo credit: Zia Affronti Morter.

Raleigh Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL (Theatre Raleigh)

16.4% of votes

2. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Playmakers Reperatory Company)

14.3% of votes

3. TUCK EVERLASTING (Studio 1)

11% of votes

Vote Now!