Ladysitting by Lorene Cary is at the Arden Theatre Co. and it’s a story of strength, history and the ups and downs for caring for an elderly parent or grandparent as they transition. There is so much resonation that I have with Melanye Finister as she cares for Nana. Preserving your family while keeping the sanctity of your aging loved one is one that brings lessons many have missed if you aren’t careful.
Before you go to the Arden to see Ladysitting
Make sure that you are there in enough time to get settled. This production does deal with death. This may be something that some would see it as strange or off putting. Keep in mind that this was done in the most tasteful way. There is even a teen night coming on February 17th. This will give the teens an ability to get an intimate view of the show as well as have a talk back with the cast. I would suggest that you take a child 13 and up either on teen night or with you. You can bring tissues but most of the show is light that others may not opt for it.
Masks are not required but keep in mind that you are sitting near others.
Preserving Legacy while Loved Ones are Here
When I walked into the theatre, I felt a very familiar feeling. The song choices were familiar to me as I remember my times as a child with my great grandmother. She was a strong woman who raised her own 12 children. The times that we had while she taught me the land and how to cook, I will always remember. When the play starts you see Melanye Finister as Lorene talking about her own play time and easiness of being at Nana’s (played by Trezana Beverley) house.
One word stuck out to me when she described her childhood as being spoiled. To many it would mean that a child was given whatever she was. In the Black culture it means that a child is being free. Lorene was able to simply exist, have fun without worry of consequence. This is something familiar in my childhood, Mommo as we called my great grandmother never hit me. She never had to. We reverenced her with respect and in return we had full range of whatever she had.
Ladysitting and Independent Struggles
One thing you will know if you have ever been around someone who was vibrant and free flowing in the way they carried themselves and thoughts that having to depend on others is not easily. When our elders get older, we tend to mark them as difficult and combative. We forget that they are fighting what they once were. Ladysitting shows this struggle so well. I listened to the audience at the points where they laughed. It was comedic but then I noticed another woman to the side of me who was still and had the sweetest tears. Maybe she too understood what I was seeing.
Independence is something that we all want. Watching Nana fight against these new nuances was done in a way that spoke no words but said so much.
Trezana Beverley
The story is surrounding the interaction of Nana played by Trezana Beverly with the family. From her interaction with Lorne’s husband played by David Ingram to their daughter, Zoe played by Monet Debose. The one character that I hope people understand the significance is Brian Anthony Wilson who plays the Angel of Life and Death. So many fear death. It’s not just the separation from family and friends. It’s the wonder of what is on the other side. The Angel of Life and Death not only visits with Nana several times amid her transition period. He had made himself present many times in Nana’s life growing up. Brian’s stature, demeanor, voice was absolutely perfection for this role. He wasn’t scary he was just there to be a comfort to Nana and guide her “home.”
Trezana drew me into her. Her spirit was stoic and poised. When I met her after the play, I wanted to hug her not because of anything else but because her presence on and off screen took me back to the times, I have sat with so many family member as they transitioned. I felt like I needed to hug her to commemorate the closing of a door that felt opened in this production.
Homegoing in Ladysitting
In the black church we see funerals as celebrations. Many will call it homegoing services. It’s a way to mourn their departure but celebrate their life. The Angel of Life and Death wanted to help Nana guide her home. Home is where you go as a reward for the good that you have done. You see loved ones that have passed. Zuhariah McGill, Director, brought the best of both worlds together. If you have never sat with your loved ones to be there to laugh, talk, encourage, hold hands, or love on your loved one in their last days I hope that this changes your perspective. Our elders need us to lean in more at their last days.
The joy of Ladysitting is something that we all need. Death is hard. It is also filled with joy. The peace that passes all understanding was felt in Ladysitting. I want you too to take a trip into the world of Ladysitting and watch Nana and her family lean on one another and be there to welcome her home. The show has been extended already and will be in production until March 3, 2024. Thank you, Lorene Cary, for this piece.
Thank you to the staff of the Arden Theatre Co. and the entire production of Ladysitting. Not only did you do a job well done, but you were the most pleasant after the show at the opening night celebration. Much success to each of you. Many of you I have had the privilege of reviewing you in other productions. Get your tickets now.
