Arden Theatre: School Girls; The African Mean Girls Play

What an incredible evening I had this past Friday seeing The African Mean Girls Play. The culture, the emotion, and the acting was absolutely outstanding. I knew from the line that almost went around the corner that I was in for a treat. Fusing culture in the story of these amazing young women in an African boarding school as they incur colorism, status, and more. This is a must see but you only have until this Sunday as it was extended. Emotional charged story of what it’s like growing up in an African boarding school that is not only phenomenal in its message but gut wrenching in its delivery.

Colorism in The African Mean Girls

Who is acceptable? This is going to be a large issue throughout the production. Are the girls who are skinner, whiter in appearance really the most valuable? You will find the storyline bring this up in various forms. From using skin bleach/whitener to being seen in competition, colorism is alive and well. I wasn’t shocked by this. Even in America there have been many brown skin to darker toned Black women who are questioned with the same plight.

While living in a boarding school you see this recurring question separate the elite from the common.  The depiction of colorism is so strong that even the ending will reinforce the message all over again. The separation that occurs amongst African women can’t hold a light to the separation that occurs in the world. It’s almost as if asking which came first? Was it he world that introduced the theme of not being enough? Or perhaps it was the Africans amongst themselves?

Paulina the Queen Mean Girl

What defines a mean girl? The way she puts down others? Makes those around her feel less than? Paulina is all of that and more. She has been getting away with her scolding of her classmates for years. The lengths that she is willing to go to be “seen” is disastrous. Using her ability to manipulate and control-emotions are at an all time high until a new girl, Ericka enrolls in the second week of classes. Paulina has finally met her match. Ericak and her arrival gives the other girls in the Boarding School the ability to see her for who she really is. Paulina is now being stripped of her tactics leaving her vulnerable to her own secrets that are revealed.

Uncomfortable Situations

There are going to be moments during this production that you may see yourself. If you were ever bullied you will know what I mean just shy of a few minutes in. There will be moments of feeling uncomfortable or wanting to be verbal. The range of emotion helps to seal in this level of storytelling that Director, Jocelyn Bioh elevates. As much as it was a play, it was real and raw. Don’t be surprised at some of the audience’s responses as they talk back. You will hear some murmurs. There will be some gasping. All of it adding to the layers as you watch this story unfold.

Superb Acting in African Mean Girls

Every woman in this production is amazing. All of them came together to make this production powerful. From understanding unhealthy relationships with food, to African pride, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to win-so transparent. I also loved how that Amy Dean was brought on as a Dialect coach. This allowed them to be as close to the African dialect as possible. I had no issues understanding them but if anyone else did, the words were displayed on a board to the left of the stage. Each actress layered performance made the play phenomenal.

A Few Things to Expect in African Mean Girls

• Come with your vaccination card
• Keep your mask over your mouth and nose the entire time
• Arrive to the theatre early-the line was wrapped around the corner
• The play is 90 minutes with no intermission. You don’t want to miss anything
• There are moments that may not be suitable for a younger crowd-language and situations (strongly recommend this for 13 mature and up

Thank you to Arden Theatre for having me and my husband.  He has personally been raving about how good the play was. A special thank you to Bryan of Bryan Buttler Media for having me as well. Get your tickets as they are not only selling out but is so good you don’t want to miss it.