Red Black and Ignorant written by Edward Bond is the first installment of a war trilogy. The play introduces Monster, (Daniel Cooksley) an inhuman being who presents the life that he did
not get to live because he was aborted and burnt to death in the nuclear global bombings. Killed within his mother’s womb, the play reveals the
world which would have awaited the unborn child: a post-apocalyptic
society of destruction and war.
The venue was a small circular area with cement benches. The cast uses the benches and the walkway leading to the site. The audience will be seated outside the circle. One cast member saw an animal move in the distance. She said it was the size of a raccoon but might be a possum. All the flashlights surveyed the edge of the woods. The wildlife watched the play unfold from a safe distance.
Daniel is the actor who played my part in O-Town: Voices from Orlando written and directed by David Lee. We hugged warmly as we waited for the rest of the cast to arrive. Jeremy Seghers is directing Red Black and Ignorant. He has a keen eye for staging plays in unexpected venues. He arrived carrying a pile of military clothing. He also had make up for Daniel. Daniel had to to wear colored contacts and black charred makeup. At the start of the play, the entire cast shined flashlights on Daniel while chanting an ominous hum. Daniel crawled up out of an imaginary pile or rubble. Jeremy explained that the set piece is almost done.
The mother of the monster (Blaise Terese Vance) delivered a moving monologue while her wispy frame was being lifted on the shoulders of the monster. She illuminated her own face from below with her flashlight. An imagined lover of the monster (Alyssa Zabel) spoke of what he might have become and seemed oblivious to his twisted self. The son of the Monster (Sean Kemp) found a woman (Anissa Hernandez) trapped under rubble. She screams for help but he realizes that her job would open up were she to perish. He feigns to help but leaves saying he would find help. His father comes across his son as he is debating the woman’s fate. The father takes control of the situation and saves her. While chastising his son. The best position the son manages to find is in the military. He embraces the role. His position gives him a place of power over the monster. This father son relationship was destined to be tragic.
This play explores issues of conformity, social morality, and ongoing
conflict between the individual and society, giving the story a terrifyingly
relevant and timeless tone.
Being an immersive, site-specific work, this is an outdoor show held in
a natural environment. I was advised to bring bug spray which was helpful. The audience is advised to check in at the box office for a short,
escorted walk to the site. Walking shoes are advised. Late seating cannot be accommodated. It is advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to show time. This production will not have an intermission.
What: Red Black and Ignorant.
Where: Valencia East Campus
701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL
Show dates:
Thursday, November 9, 2017 7:30pm
to 8:45pm
Friday, November 10, 2017 7:30pm
to 8:45pm
Saturday, November 11, 2017 7:30pm
to 8:45pm
Sunday, November 12, 2017 7:30pm
to 8:45pm
Monday, November 13, 2017 7:30pm
to 8:45pm
Tickets: $12 General Ticketing; $10 Valencia students/staff/alumni and seniors.
Contact Name: Valencia College Box Office
Contact Email: boxoffice@valenciacollege.edu/arts
Contact Phone: (407) 582-2900
