Burbage’s ‘BLKS’ runs the gamut of emotions

Theatre Review by Don Fowler
Posted 11/29/23

Azia Barnes’ “BLKS” gets its Rhode Island premiere, directed by Catia at Pawtucket’s Burbage Theatre.

The 90 minute, no intermission play is performed in the round using …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Burbage’s ‘BLKS’ runs the gamut of emotions

Posted

Azia Barnes’ “BLKS” gets its Rhode Island premiere, directed by Catia at Pawtucket’s Burbage Theatre.

The 90 minute, no intermission play is performed in the round using a clever Lazy Susan set to move the action from an apartment to a subway station, a bar and the unsafe streets of the city.

Sassy, sexy, funny, poignant, bizarre, and vulgar, the hour and a half is crammed with fast, loud dialogue that will leave your head spinning.

Three New York twenty-something Black women roommates 

are attempting to cope with their difficult lives while trying to enjoy a night on the town.

Tavia (Daria Lyric-Montaquila) is worried about a mole in a sensitive part of her body that is central to her sex life.

Imani (Autumn Jefferson) strives to be a stand-up comedian. She also has a fling with a white girl that gets messy.

June (Abraphine Ngafaih) is dealing with her unfaithful boyfriend, plus a mugging. Their all night adventure is a mixed bag of humor, pathos, conflict, and miscommunication.

The audience on opening night, like the play, consisted of mostly Black and white 20-something women who seemed to get the humor. At times, because the actors talked loud and fast, I missed some of the lines.

“BLKS” is at Burbage Theatre, 59 Blackstone Ave. in Pawtucket, through December 3. Call 484-4355 for reservations.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here