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Caroline, or Change

Through 39 year old Caroline Thibodeaux, a maid and divorced mother of four in 1960s Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” explores the dynamics of change. Even when we’re miserable and unsatisfied, change can feel like an impossible undertaking. The rough comfort of the “devil we know” present opposed against the definite uncertainty of a changed future. For an uneducated, poor Black woman in the deep South of the 60’s, change – along with self-determination, autonomy and agency – are concepts Caroline neither dared to consider nor fully believe in.

It is 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Caroline spends her days barely eking out a living as a maid. Much of that time is spent with wet laundry in the oppressive, unrelenting heat of a basement located in a house on a swamp. In 1963, the social transformations – and tragedies - of the 60s were well on their way – Freedom Riders, Civil Rights Movement marchers, JFK’s assassination, Viet Nam and the murder of four little girls in Birmingham’s 16th Street Church. Those tumultuous times, fully symbolic of revolution, provide the backdrop as Caroline wrestles with notions of change and progress. Caroline is joined in this awkward struggle by the Jewish family for whom she works, who are also confronting fundamental adjustments in their lives.

Caroline’s life lacks joy. Caroline’s teenaged daughter poignantly asks her mother “do you remember fun?” Caroline is more certain of what she does not want than what she does. While her life has a certain inevitability given her social status, Caroline is deeply struck that she is where she is. Nonetheless, like many of us, she is highly resistant to anything new or unknown. At the same time, Caroline pulsates with an intense desire for something better for herself and her children. What gives us the urgency to change? Is it for young folks only? Is there a point when it is too late? For whom or for what do we change?

Caroline is a solid sister. What she lacks in “paper”, she makes up for in pride. She may be a maid, but she definitely isn’t a mammy. Thankfully, she is not a ham fisted, chops breaking, neck rolling Black woman. Caroline will easily remind you of the mothers in our lives whose method of doling out love reflected the tensions, hardships and struggles of their lives. You will be proud of Caroline and what she ultimately represents.

Be ready to finger snap, laugh, applaud and enjoy. All of the performances are strong. Noah, the son of the family for whom Caroline works, is a scene stealer.  Emmie, Caroline’s daughter, is a show stopper!!
 

-Lauren
Comments?  E-mail me at: Lauren@so-LAZE.com
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