Saturday afternoon, after my swim, I headed down to the Black Repertory Theater on Adeline to join the cast of "Firstborn" who was to rehearse Acts 1 and 2. Not that I'm in Acts 1 or 2, but I wanted to be there to absorb the pulse, see the evolution of characters, and writer/director, Tiffany Golden had extended a warm welcome to all cast members to attend rehearsals, even on non call days. Too bad I had forgotten that this Saturday the theater was booked for another event and rehearsal was being held in downtown Oakland! But - I did get it together, eventually unearthing that buried email with address, and arrived a bit late at the proper venue, an exquisite brand new building, where the cast, lighting and set designer, and a videographer covering the action were hard at work. I must have spent four hours there, and I witnessed some amazing acting and deep work by everyone. LaToya Johns, a young mother who had brought her little girl to rehearsal, is living inside her character, the teenage Daja. Alisha Hampton, who helped out with catering, is a tall and graceful actress and singer, soulfully present as the gentle departed jazz artist, Daja and Nika's mother, Audrey. Tatiana Monet, as Daja's angry pregnant big sister, Nika, brought me to tears. And, I don't believe her own, in a key scene, were crocodile. As for the men... I told Clarence Johnson how I felt about his transformation from "youth" to age as Daddy Eli. For Pastor Stern, Tiffany really found the right composite of male and reckless energy to nail this conflicted character in Andre dos Santos, who has tremendous power yet knows how to hold back. We are also blessed to have the energy and quiet dignity portrayed by Deric Broc as Nika's mate, Amir.
Remember back when I was rehearsing that Abbey Lincoln song, "Afro Blue" for my audition? What a hoot to see the slinky Sallie Romer's interpretation of "The woman." We were all in hysterics, she is so outlandish. But, don't let me spoil your fun. See "Firstborn"!
Click the title above and go to the FIRSBORN website then click CAST to see the actors' photos.
OK, kids, Tuesday night it's my turn to participate, when we rehearse Act 3.
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