Ever hear A hit dog will holler. It’s a phrase that means that people who are guilty will retaliate. My Mom would use it when she would talk to all of us kids. It’s usually the one who did whatever she was calling out to speak up for themselves. It also means unless you want to start something leave it alone. A special note I saw the production of A Hit Dog will Holler at the preview showing. Either way it was masterful, full of wisdom nuggets, and definitely a must see.
Fear in A Hit Dog will Holler
Gina is a political and social commentator. From using social media to get her voice out and her podcast, she is considered the voice and ear of the community. When anything in the Black community goes down you can expect Gina to be the one to obtain and disseminate the information. Fear is binding. It makes you question not only your existence but its debilitating. Fear a means of stopping your from your purpose. Gina is dealing with agoraphobia. It’s a debilitating anxiety that makes you feel stifled in every way. Gina hasn’t left her home in who knows long. So how can she properly do her job.
Boots on the Ground
Dru is an Activist. When Black Lives are being jeopardized she gets herself in the action. She is going to make sure that she actively gets out and make her voice known. Even if that means she is in the line of danger. No media pages or internet footprint she is of and for the people. Dru is the type who is going to insert herself into the action rather than sit ide on the sideline.
Chance Encounter in a Hit Dog will Holler
What brings Dru and Gina together? A meal. Literally a meal brings them together. This interesting and thought provoking encounter sets off a powerful interchanging between the two. Oh how fear can transfer. Fear is the root of what changes the two women and binds them together at the same time. So how will this open them to take a chance and face that fear? Of course I want you to see it for yourself and answer that question.
Here’s what to expect before you go
There are no late seating. This means get to the theater at least 15 minutes before the show starts. You can order pre show drinks too. The bar is back and open. From beer to wine they have you covered. Also wear your masks as well as provide identification and proof of vaccination. The show is 100 minutes long with no intermission. So sadly made sure you have gone to the lavatory prior to the show or forfeit your ability to get back into the show. It’s an intimate showing and the stage is so that movement like bathroom breaks will take away from the actual production.
Black in the Pandemic
During the pandemic we saw an uprising of voices speaking up who may not have otherwise with the death surround George Floyd. The call to action became apparent and strong. What you will notice during the production is that call of action and the fear for Black and Brown people intersect. While so many focused on black boxes, real lives were challenged than and continue to do so now. Keep all of that in mind as you watch A Hit Dog will Holler. There were so much that I felt during this production. Am I doing enough? Who measures that? Is our online presence being used for the right things? So many thoughts. Do we honor those on the ground enough? Their pain? Who watches them or comforts them?
Adaeze Nwoko and Jessica Johnson in a Hit Dog will Holler
I saw Adaeze recently in School Girls at the Arden Theater. She was mesmerizing. Both of these amazing artists brought their heart and soul in this play. To be honest, although I am very well aware of agoraphobia I have never seen it been portrayed so vividly. It brought new meaning to having anxiety to another meaning. Both of them drew upon one another and I honestly think the production of a Hit Dog will Holler is one of the best I have seen all year long.
Make sure that you get your tickets now. The production of a Hit Dog will Holler is happening now until November 20th. Trust me there are so many things that you will take with you when you leave. Don’t miss out.
Thank you to Azuka Theater and Kory Aversa for having me.
