|
 Living
Green, by
Gloria Bond Clunie
What are the
costs and benefits of moving up and moving out of the ‘hood?
This is the central quandary of an upper middle class family
that climbed its way out of the ‘hood into the ‘burbs in this
drama that flips the script on Lorraine Hansberry’s classic “A
Raisin in the Sun.” In “Living
Green,” dreams are not deferred, rather that they have
twisted and morphed into something unexpected.
“Living
Green” takes us to 1995 and the electric afterglow of the
Million Man March. The drama centers on Frank and Angela
Freeman, their college bound, aspiring doctor daughter, Carol,
and son, Dempsey, who struggles in his early adolescence. The
play accurately portrays the pride and possibility Black America
felt after the Million Man March. These feelings of energy,
excitement and racial pride are juxtaposed against the
blandness, starkness and whiteness of the suburbs.
Frank views
his children as non-black identified. He questions whether this
cultural loss is worth the good schools and safety of the
suburbs. Frank decides that the answer is to move back to the
old neighborhood. But can we go home again?
The issues
of Black upward mobility raised in the 1959 “A Raisin in the
Sun” continue to resonate almost 40 years later in “Living
Green.” It is interesting to watch a play that occurs in 1995 –
an extremely proud moment but not one when we seriously
considered we would elect a Black man president in our lifetime.
Strikingly, in 2009, in the aftermath of America’s historic
election of a Black man to the presidency, the Black community
continues to wrestle with the tensions Black upward mobility
presents - good schools, amenities and safety vs. community
connectedness and cultural affiliation; the debt, if any, upper
income Blacks owe the “community;” and definitions of race,
identity and community. Despite the ascension of a Black
president, many Blacks conclude that we cannot have it both ways
- good schools and security for our children and live with our
people in our own communities. The play explores the costs this
dilemma poses for those who leave the community and those
without choice who stay.
 Rather
than touching on a range of issues, the play may have resonated
more if it explored fewer questions more deeply. The discussion
of “black identity” seemed especially shallow. Is returning to
the ‘hood, with its real challenges of safety and urban drama,
the only way to “keep it real” and restore one’s black
identity? A deeper exploration around black identity that went
beyond “black authenticity” would have been welcome.
The title
“Living Green” is a metaphor for that which sustains us – a
certain level of material comfort; fresh air and open space.
What do Black children need to grow strong in this world? Not
simply survive but thrive? We all need some green to live free,
like the Freemans. We need some of what makes us hard – some
struggle, sacrifice and pain – and we need some of the softer
things in life – openness, nature, beauty – to be whole. Good
things grow in the ‘burbs and in the ‘hood as represented by
Carol and Dempsey as well as Shondra, a promising high school
student from the projects the Freemans temporarily take in, and
her brother, Buddy, who remains in a place lacking green.
Buddy’s presence challenges the Freemans’ views. How far are
they willing to stretch out of their intellectual and physical
comfort zones? All of the performances are strong. In addition
to the family, the cast is joined by Mr. Parks, a long time
friend from “around the way.” There are some moving parent-child
scenes which were refreshing to see in a world where such
visuals of Black families are so often lacking.
“Living
Green” is a world premiere from Victory Gardens Playwrights
Ensemble Member, Gloria Bond Clunie. Victory Gardens Resident
Director, Andrea J. Dymond directs. “Living Green” is
enjoyable, accessible and addresses issues that continue to
resonate today. Take a drive to the North Side. Parking is
accessible. The newly renovated theatre is lovely with an open,
airy reception and bar area.
-Lauren
Comments? E-mail me at: Lauren@so-LAZE.com
© 2009 - Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Living Green
continues through March 1, 2009.
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