Oh what a night to be at Bristol Riverside Theatre. If you remember I was just at Murder for Two in September. I attended the opening night of Dominque Morriseau‘s Skeleton Crew and I would see this a few more times it was that good. From the production, acting, and the multifaceted themes. If you are considering if this play is for you, it would be foolish not to get tickets. The one line that stuck out was by Faye, “I’m running on soul right now.”
Safety at the Forefront
With all of the plays this season, all participants will have to show their Covid-19 vaccination cards. Also you will have to keep your mask on the entire performance. This is to ensure the safety of the cast and audience as well. So be prepared to have it out as you approach the door. Also your identification will also have to match your Covid-19 vaccination card too.
Back Story of Skeleton Crew
The story of Skeleton Crew surrounds 4 workers in a Detroit auto plant. They all have different issues that they bring to the forefront. Malik Childs as Dez is the energetic and carefree but focused. He has a desire to own his own auto shop. He’s working hard to save up for it. Lisa Strum as Faye the mother like figure of the group. Faye has been employed for 29 years. She does what she wants and how she wants.
The rest of the team looks up to her. Although she is charismatic, she too has her own set of issues as she does her best to look out for others. Joell Well plays Shanita. Shanita is a pregnant and is a hard worker even considered the best on the line. Her pride in what she creates is admirable. Marquis Woods as Reggie, the foreman who got the job with the help of Faye struggles with doing what is right and what will keep his own family afloat.
Running on Soul
Its one thing to have bad times come. You have an inner strength that usually kicks in. You fall and get back up and learn to adjust to various situations. When you are running on soul, this is the heart’s last cry. All of your options are lost. The sense of hopelessness. For Faye it’s not merely about whether or not the plant closes. It’s about every turn that is made and the door and life closing in on you. I understood that as she made that statement Everyone expects women especially Black women to be strong. We show our strength in the ways we show up for those around us. The hard exterior of a shell we have been taught to wear. On the insides of the hard interior is a soft shell. Once you reach soul level has nothing left to give.
Streets and Perception
Even if I tried to explain once the world catches that perception that’s the box they will put you in. Dez is smart. He is wise enough to know what his dreams are. Dez may not go after them in the same light as those who don’t live in his circumstances, but he is wise. He is willing to work hard. His need to protect himself isn’t about protecting the physical. Many Black men are characterized as merely dangerous and problematic. Striving for better with limited resources. The world around him seeing him as a threat even before he could even introduce himself. Do you know how hard it is to live in a world that won’t receive you but also demands more of you?
Life taking its Toll
Shanita is quick witted. She has the understanding of protecting her unborn child. She’s careful about who she is around, what music or sounds her child is hearing. She is meticulous about what she eats. Many Black mothers are like Shanita. The world would make you think that single mothers are lazy women who just want to have more kid without care in the world. Shanita loves what she does at the plant. She is great at it. One of the best on her line. Her attention to detail is everything. Now something she has worked hard to do is being challenged by rumors of closing. How will she support her family? Regardless if her child’s father does what he needs to do, Shanita wants what is best for her child.
Ownership is Freedom
Reggie the foreman has worked hard. He has been able to provide a life for his family that generations before him only dreamed. Simple pleasures which should be a reality for most today is security. The security of a child playing safely in their yard. Then there’s the security of home ownership. Having owned something is a feeling that renting can’t provide. Reggie is stuck between finding a way to keep his family safe while also making sure that he is toting the line of respectability. He can’t be angry. No way of showing emotion in this extremely highly stressful situation. He is to be present do his job and keep his head down.
My Grandma and her Soul Fight
Skeleton Crew isn’t just merely a story about an auto plant. It’s the story of survival in America. Not much has changed in this time. Many of the same themes recur in homes, jobs, and society today. I absolutely loved it. I understood it. My own grandmother had worked in the auto industry. When the plants closed in Ohio she had to take a job in a hospital to provide for my Mother and Aunt.
Skeleton Crew is Universal
Something that she too was skilled to do no longer was able to provide her the security she needed. She had to move from an apartment to a home. My grandmother worked over time day and night to provide a stable home. Her struggles mirroring all 4 of the characters of Skeleton Crew. She gave me those same stories and it was ignited on the stage. I held back tears because I could see her in all of them.
What about the soul’s fight? Find out more by attending Skeleton Crew. Thank you to Bristol Riverside Theatre and Aversa PR for having me. Please make sure you grab your tickets now. If you are unable to make it consider making a donation as well. Remember theatre lives when its supported by the communities it services.
Skeleton Crew is directed by Cameron Knight and is in production until November 21st. Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol PA 19007. Consider joining their mailing list, so you don’t miss anything.
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