BWW Reviews: The Black Rep's Haunting Production of RUINED

Ruined is one of those plays that lingers in your mind long after it's over. There's a reason that playwright Lynn Nottage won the Pulitzer Prize for drama with this powerful story, and once you've seen it yourself, it may well haunt you too. Because, even though this tale about the plight of civilians caught in a civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may seem far removed from your own sense of reality, the kinds of atrocities that are being related here are still happening all around the world, and with far-reaching consequences. The Black Rep's current production of this disturbing and harrowing work is buoyed by fine performances and insightful direction.

The story centers around a brothel/bar in the Congo run by Mama Nadi, who provides a war-free zone where soldiers and the resident miners from the town can unwind with alcohol and women. One day, Christian, a salesman of sorts who sometimes provides Mama Nadi with "workers", brings in a girl named Sophie who has been brutally raped to the point where sex is no longer an option for her. Despite being "ruined", she knows math, has the ability to read, and has a fine voice, so there is some reason to hope that she'll find her way amidst the turmoil and confusion, and despite her bleak circumstance.

Andrea Frye anchors this production as the tough and weathered Mama Nadi, delivering a fully vested performance that never strikes a wrong chord or lapses into pathos. Evann Jones is sympathetic as Sophie, and it's especially interesting to watch her character change and grow over time. Sharisa Whatley and Patrese McClain are also strong as prostitutes named Salima and Josephine, who both show signs of having been damaged in other ways.

Solid support is provided by: J. Samuel Davis, who livens up the proceedings as Christian; Joe Hanrahan as a beguiling gem trader named Mr. Harari; Erik Kilpatrick as the menacing Commander Osembenga; and Chauncey Thomas as Salima's husband Fortune, who wants her to return home.

Director Ron Himes does assured work here and keeps the tension high as these disquieting events play out. The live accompaniment of James Belk (percussion) and Dennis Brock (guitar) acts to insure that that mood is sustained throughout. Regina Garcia's distressed and seedy set works well with the dramatic lighting of Kathy Perkins, and Daryl Harris provides the appropriate costumes.

The Black Rep's heart-breaking and emotion-packed production of Ruined continues through March 6, 2011 at the Grandel Theatre.

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