Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In the immersive and stylized (PRAY), nicHi douglas empowers Black women to preach their own truths

• By drediman
• October 10, 2023
• No Comments

Last night, Ars Nova and National Black Theatre’s co-production of (pray) opened Off-Broadway at the Greenwich House Theatre. The brainchild of nicHi douglas, the immersive work – self-described as a “sacred offering” – is a stylized re-working of a church ceremony that ultimately empowers Black women to co-op the structure of the religious service to arm themselves (at one point the all female / nonbinary cast even wield machetes) and preach their own truths or bask in their shared commonalities (e.g., bodies, joys, vulnerabilities, etc.).

Ars Nova is not one to shy away from formal experimentation. Its development of hard-to-categorize shows like Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and – more recently – Heather Christian’s singular creation Oratorio for Living Things has proven the company’s track record in presenting works firmly “outside of the box”. With its defiant disregard of established dramatic and musical theater forms, douglas’s (pray) is a welcome addition to that lineage of avant-garde expression. Indeed, loosely structured as an interactive church service in seventeen parts, the experience currently at Greenwich House accomplishes its goals using its own uniquely theatrical vocabulary that emphasizes community and ritual.

What the piece lacks in clarity and cohesion, it makes up for in poetry and atmosphere, thanks largely to douglas’s immersive direction and integrated choreography, as well S T A R R Busby & JJJJJerome Ellis’s evocative live music. Kudos also to the design work, particularly the fully realized church set design by dots and DeShon Elem’s playful, slightly exaggerated “church lady” costumes. Last but not least, the multi-talented ensemble cast expertly navigate the show’s tone from caricature to unfiltered emotion, ensuring that your time at (pray) is as welcoming as it is fraught.

RECOMMENDED

(PRAY)
Off-Broadway, Musical
Ars Nova and National Black Theatre at the Greenwich House Theatre
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through October 28