Emily's Musings

Crowns

BobbiLynn and I saw Crowns at TheatreWorks tonight.

The description explains it better than I can:

Hats. Fabulous, flamboyant, and fantastical, the church-going "crowns" of black women proclaim their heritage, identity, and joyous way of life in this exuberant, soul-stirring celebration of family and fortitude. Part revival meeting, part fashion show with a sassy "hattitude" - that's one part faith and five parts hallelujah! - it fills the stage with stories of struggle and triumph, raising the roof and the temperature with glorious gospel songs cried, stomped, and testified from the heart.

It was an excellent production and, as always, a great discussion following the show. It is based on the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry called Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. It apparently got its start through the McCarter Theater (where Carrie H is now the dramaturg) and one of the first productions was at the Arena Stage in DC (where Carrie also used to work -- it's going back there this summer if any of you DC folks want to see it). I'll have to write to Carrie and see if she's seen it, since it seems to be following her around (hmmm, now that it has had its Northern CA premiere, maybe Carrie will come visit!) There was a great deal of imagery that I missed, so it was great getting some clues afterwards and I'll definitely have to read up on Orishas and some of the other elements used.