The Death of the
Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World
Signature Theatre
The Pershing Square Signature Center
November 26, 2016
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| Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre |
Suzan-Lori
Parks’ The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World aka The Negro Book of the Dead is presently playing at the
Pershing Square Signature Center. The
production rings with rhythm and repetition that brings a visceral
understanding to Ms. Parks’ intention.
The ensemble cast is ignited with passion and deliver vocally powerful
performances. Director Lileana
Blain-Cruz masterfully blends images, form, and pacing that evoke emotion and a
clear connection to Ms. Parks’ themes.
In
Ms. Parks’ words, the play is “about a man and his wife, and the man is dying…
It is like a funeral mass in a way… his wife is trying to find his final
resting place.” She says the play moves
like “free jazz” music and correlates it with “poet’s theatre, slam poetry,
hip-hop, like a poetry slam.”
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| Photo courtesy fo Signature Theatre |
Costume
design by Montana Blanco and wig design my Cookie Jordan visually represent the
dying man’s heritage, starting from the Pharaohs of Egypt and carrying it
through the twentieth century. These
iconic visual images show a strength and connection that one person’s life
exemplifies. The cast of eleven
phenomenal actors embody each of these symbols and fill them with life that
supersedes their stylistic representation.
Whether
you are new to Suzan-Lori Parks work or an avid follower, this production will
evoke an emotional response. See it and
allow it to envelop you. The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire
World aka The Negro Book of the Dead runs at Signature Theatre’s Pershing
Square Signature Center through December 18.
Domenick Danza
