Studio Theatre’s revival of The Colored Museum combines satire and reflection in a provocative and thought-provoking show.
“The Colored Museum,” a provocative and seriously funny tour of eleven “exhibits,” returns to the stage, offering a fresh take on Black American experiences. Written by George C. Wolfe in 1986, this satirical play tackles America’s most pernicious stereotypes of Black culture, aiming to retire outdated narratives and make room for the future.
This innovative environmental production immerses the audience in Wolfe’s classic exploration of the grief, madness, and hope of Black life. The collaboration between two Studio Theatre Cabinet members—Director Psalmayene 24 (known for “Pass Over” and “Good Bones”) and designer Natsu Onoda Power (renowned for “Vietgone” and “Astro Boy”)—ensures a one-of-a-kind experience.
Natsu Onoda Power’s environmental design places meticulously planned exhibits around the stage and in the lobby, which audience members can view and read about prior to the start of the play. Arriving early is recommended to fully appreciate these displays. The seating area itself is redesigned to resemble a slave ship crossing the Middle Passage, making the audience an integral part of the exhibit. A descriptive plaque notes that the play is best consumed with an audience composed of half White people and half Black people, enhancing the communal experience.
Despite being nearly four decades old, “The Colored Museum” remains as relevant as it was in 1986. The play’s commentary on Black artistry, often celebrated when centered around Black pain or athleticism, severe discrimination against Black members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the Mammy stereotype, among other subjects, still resonates deeply. Wolfe does not offer solutions to these issues but instead presents a celebration of Black joy and greatness in the final vignette.
To supplement the joy in the final monologue and dancing, Power, with projection designer Kelly Colburn, fills the stage with projections of Black leaders from Nat Turner to Chadwick Boseman, ending the play on a hopeful note.
Studio Theatre’s production of “The Colored Museum” is a must-see for all. It celebrates and satirizes Black history, provoking intense reflection and laughter. Psalmayene 24 once again proves his staying power in the DMV, adeptly balancing intimate and comedic elements in this emotionally and dramaturgically complex work.
The play will be performed from July 3, 2024, to August 18, 2024, at The Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C.
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