Poetic and Gritty

The Brothers Size – Steppenwolf Theatre

In Steppenwolf Theatre’s latest exciting offering for Young Audiences, Director Monty Cole presents ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney’s second installment of his trilogy, “The Brother/Sister Plays.” Mr. McCraney is the Oscar Award-winning screenwriter for “Moonlight,” the co-creator of Steppenwolf’s recently acclaimed “Ms. Blakk for President” and the playwright of the marvelous drama, “Choir Boy,” which recently wowed New York audiences. 

“The Brothers Size” continues the story McCraney began in the first installment of his trilogy. “In the Red and Brown Water,” we’re introduced to an African-American extended family living in squalor in “the Distant Present” in the fictional Bayou town of San Pere, Louisiana. Against all odds, the characters try to survive poverty, prejudice and, sometimes, prison. This play precedes the final episode, “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet,” in which the playwright further explores all these topics, including the main character’s sexuality. All of these elements come to a head in “The Brothers Size.”

Staged upon Yu Shibagaki’s unique scenic design, created from a mountain of ground-up tires, the audience is immediately hit with the odor of distressed rubber as they enter the Steppenwolf theatre. It makes sense when we learn that much of the play is set in an auto repair shop, where older brother Ogun works. Claire Chrzan’s emotional lighting design works in tandem with some mind-blowing projections created by Rasean Davonte Johnson. Jeffrey Levin completes this multi-sensory production with a sound design that envelopes the play in an appropriately  colorful, aural atmosphere. In addition to the excellent guidance provided by Director Monty Cole, kudos must be heaped on brilliant Fight Choreographer Matt Hawkins and Movement Consultant, the multitalented Breon Arzell, for their artistic  contributions to this production.

The story focuses on the close relationship between car repairman, Ogun, and his younger brother, Oshoosi. The boy is a likable young man who’s just been released from prison. The youth is a free spirit who lacks drive and focus; but Ogun, who serves as a surrogate parent for his kid brother, won’t have it. Elegba, a friend Oshoosi made while incarcerated, is a fun-loving guy who is still sexually attracted to his cellmate. During a night out together, an overachieving police officer stops Oshoosi’s car and, upon inspecting Elegba’s gym bag, he finds it filled with a suspicious white powder. Oshoosi is charged and it looks like he’s headed back to prison, taking the rap for his devil-may-care boyfriend. However, Ogun has other plans for the welfare of his brother.

Making his Steppenwolf debut, Patrick Agada is terrific as Oshoosi. He’s appeared in lots of noteworthy productions all over Chicago, including the playwright’s “Choir Boy,” at Raven Theatre. This energetic, charismatic young actor captures the spirit of this play and is truly an actor to watch. Gifted veteran actor Manny Buckley, remembered for his performances in Steppenwolf’s “Of Mice and Men,” “George Orwell’s 1984” and the mesmerizing “Hit the Wall,” is a powerhouse as Ogun. His strength and eloquence make Ogun such an admirable character, evoking empathy for his magnanimous sacrifices and the effort he makes in trying to keep his young brother on the straight and narrow. Rashaad Hall returns to Steppenwolf, following his electrifying performance in their recent production of “True West.” As Elegba, Mr. Hall, once again, plays a lovable rogue, a troublemaker, perhaps innocent or maybe just ignorant, of the repercussions and casualties of his actions upon others.

Representing a wide range of male relationships, Monty Cole’s stirring production moves, shakes and inspires. Incorporating rhythmic drumming, ritualistic, choreographed movement and, in one delightful moment, song, the director presents a story that’s poetic and gritty. It’s emotional, realistic and—be warned—filled with profanity and much used of the N word. But production jumps off the stage and grabs audiences, young and old, by the heart. And a great deal of credit must go to this trio of brilliant actors, all of whom create a King Size Band of Brothers.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas     

Presented October 2-October 19 by Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.