Ego Po Classic Theatre presents Wine in the Wilderness

Wine in the Wilderness is a story of identity, passion, and race relations that help to answer of what it means to be seen as a Black woman. I was in absolute awe of this production. So much rich history being poured in every scene. From the music, to the times, as well as all of the interactions which still mirror so much that is happening today.

The Back Story of Wine in the Wilderness

As a Black woman this production was real in every aspect. You have Bill who is definitely misconstrued in his thinking of what makes a Black woman worthy. He is an artist. As he paints his paintings he is looking for a woman who is the worse kind of Black of Woman. This compares to the painting of a Black goddess. She has to be the type of Black woman that no one really wants. Cynthia and Tommy finds this woman, Tommy who just had her house burned down. She is everything wrong that Bill feels he needs to portray.

Black Women in the Eyes of Black Men

Not all but so many think that if you aren’t polished etc. whatever that may mean to a Black Man you may be seen as invaluable. This play took place in the late 60s when Black identity is already troubled and questioned. What does a Black woman need to do to be seen in the eyes of our own to be someone to be respected. It wasn’t until Bill spent one night with Tommy that he “sees” her differently. Cynthia another Black woman in the production isn’t devalued. She isn’t being mistreated or seen in a different light. When I was watching this unfold I kept thinking of the Black woman who are arguably being who they are and the question of value keeps creeping in.

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Messed Up Black Woman

Is she too loud? Too curvy or not at all? Is she too Ghetto? What does this messed up Black Woman look like? Bill has his thoughts. Apparently and unfortunately so does Cynthia and Sonny-Man. They went out looking for her and found Tommy. Tommy once she finds out why they came to her “aid” is taken back. Oldtimer revealed the true intention to Tommy without knowing it. Tommy stands up and sets them straight. It’s one thing to be viewed in a negative light amongst the world. But to be viewed as the messed up Black woman amongst your own that stings. Yet again we aren’t in the late 60s and there is still much conversation on Black women being “too” everything. Recently a podcast I won’t give shine to full of Black women discredited a Black woman because she wasn’t “nothing special.”

Damien J. Wallace

So first of all I loved how well integrated this production was. I have attended many plays at The Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake, this one was immersive. It needed to be. We all had to sit in the midst of this production to feel the emotions. There were so many innuendos that were being said that I felt deep down. I have heard so many of them since I was a little girl. The first time I was devalued by a teacher who wouldn’t call me by my name. The guidance counselor who was a Black man who told me even though I was number 2 in my class not to apply for scholarships because eventually I would be pregnant and on welfare. Damien the director made sure that Alice’s piece spoke to us that have felt diminished.

I have never seen Damien before that production. His joy and hard work had me in tears during the production as well as his speech. When you feel like your whole heart is on display and having that reach the masses is infectious. I left inspired. When you are in your element and doing what you love, others will feel it. Thank you Damien!

All Star Cast of Wine in the Wilderness

I watched each member of this cast and how they interacted. They brought emotion to this production. I saw Ontaria who plays Tommy with tears in her own eyes. Once again we as Black women have seen these stereo types too many times. What does it mean to be of a certain privilege of Black women? Is it in our hue? Our hair? We are often times copied as fetishes and to be desired in cultures that won’t respect us when we do the same. Every cast member represented their parts well.

Of all of the productions I have seen in the last few years, this one touched the depth of my soul. I am encouraging all to go see it. Get your tickets. You can see it live or you can see it virtually. Although I am sure virtual would be amazing, I would highly suggest you see in person. It does something to you to be in the presence of greatness. To the entire production team, staff and all of those who played any part Wine in the Wilderness I thank you.

Housekeeping Rules while at the Production

Please make sure you bring your Vaccination card. Give yourself extra time to show your card and identification. Masks must be worn the entire show. Come with open hearts and allow the cast to take you back in time.

Thank you to Ego Po Classic Theater and Carrie Gorn for having me.