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Legends, Myths and Hieroglyphs

Wow.

I am thoroughly impressed–not that I ever had any doubts.  Demetrius Wren’s first full length play, Legends, Myths and Hieroglyphs is a resounding success!  It is a partly-autobiographical story about the life and imagination of Jarod, a young African American boy growing up in Mississippi.  He is raised by his “Grandmumma”, and when literally left to his devices, he conjurs up a time machine on which his “mission” is to save the world.  As delightful as it might sound, the story is tragic and biting.

His mother hasn’t spoken or seen Jarod in months.  His father secretly visits him as a stranger to drop off parts for his time machine.  And when his “cousin” Deon comes to stay for a few days, things unravel at their seams.  Jarod’s fantasty world collapses, and we begin to see how all things beautiful are destroyed by an endless cycle of fatherless and motherless black homes.

The play is a workshop and work-in-progress.  There are beats that go missed and opportunities to pull the audience one way that are glossed over, but considering the company, Mainspring Collective, has only had three weeks to put together this show, it can all be looked over.  The actor who plays Deon is truly impressive.  His performance is by far the most believable and has an incredible amount of depth.  I suspect he has the fewest lines of almost any character in the whole play!  Playing multiple parts, his performance as Kayla’s brother shows how remarkably diverse this actor can be.  I truly look forward to seeing him again in other pieces.

All in all, the ending is one of the best crafted scenes I’ve seen performed on stage.  It’s simply, understated but OVERWHELMINGLY powerful.  For those of you who have been exposed to single motherhood, growing up poor or simply growing up black in the South, you will struggle to hold your composure throughout the performance.  There are moments when the show is too true to life and this is where it is beautiful.

The workshop of Legends started on Friday, May 9th, and runs through Tuesday, May 13th.  Tickets are available at the box office of the The Producer’s Club at 44th St and 9th Ave in New York City for $20.  Show starts at 8 p.m.

See this play!

Full disclosure: Demetrius Wren is one of my very best friends.  We both went to Florida State University together in the Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts program.  And after seeing this play, we intend to adapt it into a feature length script.  And no matter what, shoot the film!

© 2008 wilson g. tang. all rights reserved.