Pegasus Theatre presents DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA.
Playwright Nathan Alan Davis penned a contemporary folktale rooted in ancestral mysticism. Dontrell Jones the Third (played by Blake Dupree) is the whiz kid. Although his family sees his future clearly in academic pursuits, Dontrell is pulled in a different direction. He feels his destiny is to journey to the Atlantic Ocean. His dreams compel him to uncover the truth about his ancestor lost during the Middle Passage. Dontrell befriends a swim coach and embarks on a life changing quest.
(Photo by Anthony La Penna)
Under the skillful direction of ILesa Duncan, Davis’ story is told with performance art. The show starts with Dupree surrounded by the talented ensemble. They ritualistically stomp and chant creating the hazy in-between state of dreaming and being awake. The surreal vibe is aided by abstract projections by Eme Ospina-Lopez. Later in the show, the ensemble will dance in matching African tribal garb (Costume Designer Emma Brandenburger). Through the synchronized movements, Choreographer Tanji Harper invokes a strong sense of community and resilience.
(Photo by Anthony La Penna)
Duncan facilitates engagement with the visually poetic sequences. The audience is pulled into Dontrell’s world and wants to know more. Who is he? What is the family mystery? Why didn’t he learn to swim? Davis’ story stirs up lots of questions. Some get answered. Some don’t. The story itself isn’t completely succinct. Davis infuses a sea connection within a couple of the family members. The cousin (played by Aja Singletary) works at the aquarium. The sister (played by Andrea Tracy) is obsessed with mermaids. Yet, those characters’ sole purpose seems to just be reenforcing the ancestral mystery. And Zay Williams (Robby) playing Dontrell’s wisecracking buddy exists for levity without much purpose in advancing the story.
(Photo by Anthony La Penna)
Despite some of Davis’ lose storylines, the ensemble is all terrific under Duncan’s direction. A fierce Maya Abram (mom) and commanding David Goodloe (dad) deliver powerhouse soliloquies. And a quirky Emma Wineman (Erika) uses her expressive eyes and comedic timing to hilarious perfection. Wineman and an earnest Dupree are an unlikely and delightful pairing.
(Photo by Anthony La Penna)
DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA isn’t a straight forward play. It’s a combination of drama/comedy, play/performance art, past/present and dreaming/living. The quest is to experience it all without getting bogged down in the story details.
Running Time: Ninety Minutes with no intermission
At Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen
Written by Nathan Alan Davis
Directed by ILesa Duncan
Performances are:
Fridays, Saturdays at 7pm
Saturdays, Sundays at 2:30pm
Thru August 18
For more information or tickets
Photography by Anthony Robert La Penna
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