Written in 2003 as part of a trilogy, THE BROTHERS SIZE was first performed to acclaim in 2007. Since that time, playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney has won numerous awards, including an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for co-writing the 2016 film “Moonlight,” based on his original play. He is currently the Chair of Yale School of Drama’s playwriting program and a member of Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble. Last year, McCraney was appointed artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse; and, in 2024, the Geffen Playhouse proudly presents THE BROTHERS SIZE in its intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.
Stan Mathabane – Photo by Jeff Lorch
THE BROTHERS SIZE was inspired by the mythology of the Yoruba tribe of West Africa. This is the story of the bond between two brothers and employs poetry, music, and movement to tell the tale. Even the names of the primary characters come from West African folklore. Brother Ogun (the Yoruba God of iron, war, and labor played by Sheaun McKinney) is a hard-working, no-nonsense auto repairman pushing 30, while his younger brother Oshoosi (the Yoruba God of the hunt, wealth measured in meals, and seeker of contemplation and artistic pleasure played by Alani iLongwe) has just been released from prison on parole. Oshoosi’s best friend is Elegba (the Yoruba trickster who owns all the roads and doors in the world played by Malcolm Mays) is his prison buddy – and a seductive man who tempts Oshoosi to return to his old ways. When the casual and feckless Oshoosi shares a home with the focused and dedicated Ogun, trouble is sure to develop – and soon does. The brothers are doomed to clash over almost every element in their lives, especially their disparate work ethic and their conflicting life decisions. Themes of loyalty, freedom, and duty abound. McCraney asks a simple yet profound question: will their relationship survive the many tests they face? Will brotherly love transcend their many differences?
Malcolm Mays and Alani iLongwe – Photo by Jeff Lorch
Skillfully helmed by Bijan Sheibani, THE BROTHERS SIZE takes place in the bayou country of Louisiana and is performed in a theater-in-the-round, a white circle soon delineating the action and adding a spiritual aspect to the conflict. Music surrounds the pair, with bass flute, drone flute, talking drum, djembe, dununba, sangban, bell, skekere, tenor sax, and bar chimes played by sound designer and composer Stan Mathabane in a mystical and very West African introduction to the play. Suzu Sakai’s scenic design, Adam Honore’s lighting, and Juel D. Lanes choreography add a certain otherworldly charm to the happenings.
Sheaun McKinney and Alani iLongwe – Photo by Jeff Lorch
McCraney’s exploration of tough black masculinity vs. gentle tenderness is a potent reminder of the many personality facets experienced by each of us as we relate to each other and the world. THE BROTHERS SIZE is a fascinating character study of three men and the brothers’ journey to greater understanding and acceptance.
Sheaun McKinney and Alani iLongwe – Photo by Jeff Lorch
THE BROTHERS SIZE runs through September 8, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater is located at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Tickets range from $45 to $129. For information and reservations, call 310-208-2028 or go online.
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment