written and performed by dael orlandersmith
directed by chay yew
a co-production with goodman theatre
limited season | thrust stage
may 25–june 24, 2012
world premiere
Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission
the play
Bold, beautiful and fierce—Dael Orlandersmith delivers a riveting performance in Black n Blue Boys / Broken Men. This world premiere introduces us to children and adults forging identities in families fractured by abuse. Each relates a story that transforms these challenges into a celebration of our capacity to survive. Orlandersmith created this show after becoming a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize with Yellowman—and she brings these characters roaring to life with the help of Obie Award-winning director Chay Yew. In the tradition of powerful solo shows at Berkeley Rep, this play illuminates an experience shared by every ethnicity.
the buzz
“‘Magnetic’ and ‘versatile’ can’t quite convey the mesmerizing intensity of Dael Orlandersmith onstage, or the ease with which she transforms herself into characters of every age, ethnicity, shape or gender…Incisively written and masterfully performed…The writing is fierce, uncompromising and alive with sharply observed, humanizing detail…The characterizations are indelible…Orlandersmith is a riveting performer with an urgent tale to tell.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Orlandersmith, who riveted audiences with the Pulitzer-nominated Yellowman, lends this play such a piercing sense of honesty that it’s hard to believe it’s not documentary theater…There’s no shaking the intensity of the experience.”—San Jose Mercury News / Bay Area News Group
multimedia
Black n Blue Boys photo montage
Dael Orlandersmith has been critically praised for her riveting performance in Black n Blue Boys / Broken Men. Take a look at show photos and review excerpts.
