A Theatrical View: "Home"

On Saturday, I saw a play entitled "Home". It was presented at the Hattiloo Theatre (www.hatilootheatre.org) on 656 Marshall in Memphis, Tennessee. The Hattiloo is Memphis' new African-American Repertory Theatre. "Home" is their inaugural production. "Home" had three actors, but there was never a dull moment. Charlie Giggers was the male lead, Cephus Miles. He is a country bumpkin, a simple, Forrest Gump-like character who enjoys the country life and working the land. He is in love with a local girl, Patti Mae (Crystin Gilmore), but she eventually leaves the country for college. Miles is drafted by the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Miles refuses to fight, citing his Christian beliefs, and is jailed. He cannot go home because the farm is sold while he is in prison, so he decides to go to the city. Blacklisted because of his prison time, employment is difficult to find, and he quickly succumbs to many of the city's temptations, including a seductive golddigger called Myrna (Tara Hickey) "Home" is a wonderful play, and Charlie Giggers is a new face to watch in the theatrical community. Crystin Gilmore and Tara Hickey also play all the supporting characters. This feat is achieved through different hats, robes, wigs, changes in mannerisms, and several quick changes behind the scenes. As someone who has had to play multiple characters in a production, I am aware of the effort that this requires, and I commend them. "Home" is a wonderful production, and a triumphant beginning for the play director and Executive/Artistic Director of Hattiloo, Ekundayo Bandele (Dollars and Signs). "Home" is running on the weekends until October 15, with shows at 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, and a matinee on Sundays at 3 PM. Please go out and support this bold new artistic endeavor in the Bluff City. Adults prices are $15, and it is $12 for Children, Students, and Seniors.