By Yani Perez . . .
Telling Tales Out of School, written by Wesley Brown, with Direction by Woodie King Jr., is an elegantly written play about an afternoon meeting between Nella Larsen, Jessie Fauset, Nancy Cunard and Zora Neale Hurston.
Four literary icons get together in June 1954 at the Hotel Theresa following the funeral of Alain Locke, the visionary figure of the era. The play begins with the distinguished literary figures attending the service at Benta’s Funeral Home in Harlem. The performers enter the theater, sit on both sides of the stage, and listen to Paul Robeson singing “Going Home,” followed by W.E.B DuBois giving the eulogy for Alain Locke.
The four renowned women, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, Jesse Fauset, and Nancy Cunard, are now in their sixties and reuniting after more than twenty years. Zora Neale Hurston suggests they gather at Nancy Cunard’s hotel to catch up over tea. Initially, the gathering praises Locke and his contributions, but the afternoon quickly takes a turn. The women decide to play a game of “Quiet as it’s kept.” “We would come up with terrible things we’d either witnessed or heard about somebody and tell everyone present what it was,” explained Hurston. This game exposes unsettling revelations about the esteemed man they came to pay their respects to and much more about themselves.
Their get-together is a creative and thoughtful imagining of what these Renaissance women would have discussed and, even more so, revealed. They question one another with probing and, at times, accusatory remarks. This meeting allows them to clarify doubts, gossip and even reveal truths. Nella Larson was asked why she didn’t fight the plagiarism allegations. “It was said that your departure from the literary scene was your shame over being accused of plagiarism and then having it proven to be true,” Fauset claims. Larsen confidently replies, “I decided I didn’t have anything left to say by writing. So, I returned to nursing.” She continued, “Why would I have felt shame about something that wasn’t true.” They had wanted to ask her about this situation for years and this meeting allowed her to share her truth.
Telling Tales Out of School has an outstanding ensemble cast composed of Petronia Bailey as Nella Larsen, Richarda Abrams as Jessie Fauset, June Ballinger as Nancy Cunard and Elizabeth Van Dyke as Zora Neale Hurston. Their performance, with direction by Woodie King Jr., is absolutely delightful! They are seasoned actors who display grace, strength and emotion. Although the play is eloquently written for intellectuals having a discussion, the range of emotions is felt in their deliveries. The audience learns of the sexism, discrimination, colorism and deceit they endured. The poignancy of their hurt is apparent. They survived a rough time in American history while making tremendous literary contributions and strides.
The set design by Chris Cumberbatch’s set and Gail Cooper-Hecht’s costumes complement the style of the era.
Telling Tales Out of School is a creative, smart and compelling play about four of America’s and Britain’s literary minds. If you’re looking for great acting, a journey to the past and meaningful writing, this is a play to catch this season.
Telling Tales Out of School. Through November 12 at the New Federal Theatre at the Castillo 543 West 42nd Street. Performances run through November 12. www.NewFederalTheatre.com
Photos: Lia Chang
Cover Photo Caption: June Ballinger, Petronia Paley, Elizabeth Van Dyke, Richarda Abrams
