Date: Fri 30-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Yale-Rep-Splash-Hatch-Corthron

Full Text:

(rev "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down" @Yale Rep)

Theatre Review--

Corthron May Want To Save The Earth, But `E Train' Is Not Her Best Attempt

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- There are very important issues that are raised in Splash Hatch

on the E Going Down , the latest offering at Yale Repertory. There is teenage

pregnancy, environmental concerns, parental and friendship relationships. For

her sincerity in bringing these issues to the light of the stage, playwright

Kia Corthron is to be applauded. Splash Hatch performances continue until

February 7.

However, one does feel somewhat inclined to shout, as at the end of Peter Pan

, "I do believe, I do believe, I do believe!" Too much of the same material is

repeated, so much so that audible groans from the audience were heard during a

recent performance when more statistics were hurled at the audience.

Perhaps if numbers had simply been flashed on the walls of the apartment

represented onstage, even if only some of the time, it would have been more

effective. Certainly pollution is a major concern and demands action, but good

judgment needs to be exercised to obtain support, not to turn people off. It's

a thin line!

The depth of concern is radiant in this work. Ms Corthron's heart and mind are

in a powerful direction of making theatre a place of thought and not solely

entertainment.

The title is a clever synopsis of the play. "Splash Hatch" refers to giving

birth within water (one of the lead characters, Thyme, and her friend

Shaneequa, are both first-time expectant mothers, with inner battles adding to

the pre-birth jitters), which is an easier transition for a baby. "E Going

Down" bespeaks the demise of the planet, which is being overrun by

environmental pollution, among many of its problems.

Most credible in their roles were David Toney as Ollie and Ami Brabson as

Marjorie, who portrayed Thyme's supportive parents. They feel real and

parental, loving and understanding.

The petite Margaret Kemp plays Thyme with intense energy. A voracious reader

and outstanding student, Thyme yo-yos between behaviors of a child to the

concerns of a mature adult.

As her best friend Shaneequa, Cherita Armstrong is more typical of the image

of a pregnant black teen. She projects the hopeless cycle and frustration of

the young women, as contrasted to Thyme's determination and relative optimism.

The youthful energy of Kemp and Armstrong as the pregnant teenagers is

magnetic, but their characterizations seem more often recited than acted. A

week directing job seems to be the problem here, rather than a lack of talent

in the actresses.

The most complex of the characters is Thyme's husband, Erry. Actor Akili

Prince received an Audelco Award for a role he played in Joseph Papp's New

York Shakespeare Festival's production, The Forbidden City . In Splash Hatch

on the E Going Down , Mr Prince plays a teenage male whose strong sense of

responsibility and love drive him, in spite of growing sickness. He is

probably the sacrificial victim of this play, and of society, as are so many

young black men.

Though this reviewer was not enthused, overall, with this play, certainly

there is a strong curiosity to view other works by Kia Corthron. She is being

actively sought after and recognized in the theatre world, and her ideas spark

a kindred concern.

Tickets for Splash Hatch... are available by calling the Yale Rep box office,

432-1234. Prices range from $25 to $32.