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Peer Reviews

How Do You Get to the Get?
Spunk: A review by Joe Monroe, II


Entire contents are copyright © 2007 Joe Monroe, II. All rights reserved.

 

The place, "O, way down nearby." The time, "Round about long 'go." The show, Spunk!

Spunk is a play comprised of three tales by Zora Neale Hurston. Ms. Hurston, a novelist, folklorist and anthropologist, was the prototypical authority on black culture from the Harlem Renaissance. In this artistic movement of the 1920s, black artists moved from traditional dialectical works and imitation of white writers to explore their own culture and affirm pride in their race. Ms. Hurston pursued this objective by combining literature with anthropology.

These three tales explore themes that were common during her lifetime, and some are still prevalent today. They explore these themes through song, "blues speak," dance and dialogue. Each character is not only the storyteller but a part of the story as well. This is an excellent adaptation by George C. Wolfe.

 

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Derric Harris and Angela Karol Grovey in a lively scene from Spunk at Actors Theatre of Louisville.  

 

Blues Speak Woman (Angela Karol Grovey) and Guitar Man (Keith Johnston) are the main characters that are a part of each tale and provide the transition between the tales. The entire cast keeps you laughing and makes you think. The Bingham Theatre in the Actors Building provides a nice, intimate setting for the show. You will really appreciate the "theatre in the round" experience. My hat goes off to the set designer. It is cool to see set pieces just appear out of the floor and then disappear again.

If you want a unique experience that involves snakes, broke pimps and a loving couple, that is enhanced by music, dancing and a good 'ole time, then this is definitely a show for you! And if someone asks you, "How do you Get to the Get?," you tell them,"...with pain, spit, love, grit and a little bit of SPUNK!"

 

Spunk
Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston
Adapted by George C. Wolfe
Directed by Seret Scott
Music by Chic Street Man
Musical direction by Keith Johnston

November 13 - December 15, 2007
At Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202


www.actorstheatre.org/

Posted Nov. 24, 2007