'Day of Absence' addresses racial bias in shocking and often hilarious ways

by Rachel Koertner

Douglas Turner Ward’s “Day of Absence” artfully and unapologetically sheds light on America’s notions about relationships between people of different races. This play skillfully put together lights, sound, choreography and more to draw audiences in and force them to confront the racial divide in society. Congo Square Theatre should be proud of this production.

StreetWise was invited to see the show on Monday, March 2, at Victory Gardens’ Richard Christiansen Theatre. Right away, the lights and set were very intriguing. The show is about a community who faces the sudden disappearance of all their black and brown citizens, and the turmoil that results. Despite the heavy undertones, the play is extremely funny and stingingly satirical. There was laughter in the audience throughout the whole play, and it was well deserved.

Ward called this show a reverse minstrel show because of the use of whiteface, which is a little ironic for this storyline. This concept was shocking at first, but soon the intent came through. It was very clear that Ward understood the tendencies of humanity, as the dialogue gave meaningful insight. Also, the technical elements of this play worked well together and added a lot to the show, and the transitions were very clean and well-rehearsed. This production was a well-oiled machine, with each person knowing exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

This extremely clever play was very thought-provoking. It demonstrated how this issue of racial injustice has been a problem throughout history, but is also still a problem today. It forces people to confront their biases, no matter how uncomfortable, and does so unapologetically.

One scene in particular really showed the two-faced nature of many people in the midst of this social justice issue. It had a mob of people protesting with signs. One side of the signs had the nicer things that many people say, and the other side had the cruel truths behind those words, which are often revealed later. It confronted society’s hypocrisy. Actors Jordan Arredondo, Ronald L. Conner, Meagan Dilworth, Ann Joseph, Bryant Hayes, Sonya Madrigal and Kelvin Roston Jr. did each scene well, showing their flexibility since they all had to play multiple roles.

Director Anthony Irons’ note in the program says that this play is “a ‘Power to the People!’ message. It’s a reminder to the laborers, the workers, the domestics, society’s unseen and unheard that great power lies within them, and when there is common, yet determined purpose, the unseen and unheard can harness that power to great effect.” This powerful play has existed for many years, so one must ask Congo Square Theatre - why put this on now? Irons says: “This being an election year, the urgency of the times seems to demand vociferous participation. It is not enough to sit on the sidelines.”

The urgency and call-to-action mentality permeated every element of this production. Everyone involved should be proud of the work that they did. This show runs until March 22 at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets start at $35 on victorygardens.org/event/day-of-absence.

Jordan Arredondo and Meagan Dilworth in "Day of Absence"

Congo Square photo