Dominique Morisseau Writes It Again With “Mud Row”

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The dramas of the brilliant Dominique Morisseau always say much and do so very credibly, like the well-detailed diners and pickup trucks of photorealist artist Ralph Goings. Remy Bumppo’s latest offering is a play that starts out during the civil rights movement in a black neighborhood called “Mud Row” in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It’s first about two sisters: Elsie, who dreams of elevating herself to middle class, and Frances, who chooses to join the fight, getting hurt.

Fast forward to present times and Elsie’s granddaughters: Regine (Ayanna Bria Bakari), the oldest, who inherits the family home, and the younger one Toshi (Tiffany Renee Johnson), recently out of rehab, squatting at their late grandmother’s dilapidated house with her supportive boyfriend Tyriek (Jabari Khaliq) because she feels safe and wants to keep the legacy of her past ancestors alive in this historically black area. Toshi has turned to spiritual books and chakras in her recovery, as she feels the energy of her past trauma in the form of colors (with striking lighting effects designed by Levi Wilkins), which she interprets as premonitions.

Regine harbors deep resentment towards Toshi, who had taken advantage during her addiction, stealing money. Meanwhile, Regine’s husband Devin (Jamaque Thomas) wants to sell the house he feels will go for a good price, as the area undergoes gentrification. The sisters communicate on their history, and come to an understanding, mending their past trauma and giving a hopeful ending. The show will close on “Mud Row” November 15th, though, so make your way to www.remybumppo.org for tickets or more information.

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