Millennial Notes

Cleavon Smith’s Women: from Hip Hop to Ballot Box

by Tyler Jeffreys

TheatreFirst’s “The Last Sermon of Sister Imani” introduces a new topic: artivism (art+activism). What is Black America discussing during Happy Hour? We debate whether to spend extra energy fighting the system, or to focus that energy on self-care and ignore America.

Playwright Cleavon Smith cleverly illustrates W.E.B Dubois’ idea of Double Consciousness in Black life. Smith brings on two successful Black women, long-time good friends, Danielle (emotional Dezi Solèy) and Adrien (dynamic Jasmine Williams). Both actors create magnificent women representing each side of the Double Consciousness. Danielle calls herself “Sister Imani,” becoming a popular, New-Age healing Guru. Adrien becomes a passionate politician, dedicated to changing the system.

Danielle and Adrien remind me of the 20s New Negro movement, when black intellects, artists, and activists emerged. In 2019, it’s “New Negro 2.0.” But the Renaissance will not thrive if we fight among ourselves. We join Danielle and Adrien on their journey to a New Black Renaissance.

When Hip Hop brought Adrien and Danielle together years ago, they created a pro-Black social justice rap group. Their composer, Kristoffer Barrera, provides sick beats for writer Cleavon Smith’s original song, “Black Lives Matter!” We cheer and applaud as Solèy and Williams perform full-length rap songs, looking like a Millennial Salt-n-Peppa.

Scenes quickly flash from their past rap star life to their present feuding, highlighting Solèy and Williams’ superb acting chops. The sparse stage forces us to focus on the actors and words, like an open mic. Only lighting and sound effects signal their location, with green lights and chirping birds for a pastoral funeral.

In her office, Afro-centric Danielle wears cowry shells around her waist, with a beautiful braided bun. She accuses Adrien of practicing shallow, selfish politics. Danielle wants to live in her Zen bubble because her own country hates people who look like her. She needs to heal herself before she can heal others. As activist- poet Audre Lorde advises, “Self-care is an act of political warfare.”

In a slick sports jacket, Adrien defends her service, but Danielle stares her down with cold eyes. But Adrien’s direct action is stronger than Danielle’s withdrawal. Adrian smiles slightly and shakes her head, with compassion; while the African goddess tries to demoralize her.

When I see Adrien’s earnest eyes pleading for her friend to join the fight, I feel the call to action, myself. I understand Adrien’s drive for change and results, while Danielle retreats. When I watch the two women debate, I realize that they both of them live inside me—I don’t have to choose sides.

Cleavon Smith shows that his “New Negro 2.0” movement needs more than political warriors. Some of us can still fight for freedom as healers, workers, and business women.

Being Black in the 21st century means balancing your pain and duty. Thank you TheatreFirst for inviting the rest of the world to sit at the Black table during Happy Hour. It’s just getting started. We have a lot to unpack.

 

“The Last Sermon of Sister Imani” by Cleavon Smith, directed by Michael Gene Sullivan, by TheatreFirst, at Live Oak Theater, Berkeley, through Sunday, March 3, 2019. Info: liveoaktheater.org

Cast: Dezi Solèy and Jasmine Williams.

For more on Black Lives in America, see: The Root–Black Opinions, Politics and Culture
https://www.theroot.com