BCC presenting 'Mother of the Dark Water' drama on Wednesday

The Black Cultural Center will open its fall Cultural Arts Series with a performance of the drama "Mother of the Dark Water" on Wednesday (Sept. 5) by Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT).

This critically acclaimed theater piece, devised and directed by Lauren Wells, will be presented at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. The play contains adult language and themes.

A NewCity review of "Mother of the Dark Water" likens the play's energy and identity to that of Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf." The review states, “Lauren Wells … has created a 'For Colored Girls' for the children of the women originally affected by Shange’s monumental 1976 work.”

Within her creative process, Wells evaluated how the commonly recognized image of "The Madonna" has been clearly influenced by the images of the Yoruba Orishas. She considered the consistency for how the image of the Black Woman has continually endured both appropriation and misrepresentation, and she sought, according to MPAACT, to ask and answer these questions: “Why was this image twisted to use as a form of oppression? Who is responsible for this? Where are the images of goddesses in tangible form? Why is it imperative that black women reclaim ownership and autonomy over their images and stories?”

Wells has said that the production is motivated by how significant and abiding images of the Black Woman serve as influence and representation of women in general, without any concrete acknowledgment or credit. This work depicts the authentic, dynamic, and unparalleled experiences of the Black Woman, as it strives to reclaim, embrace and portray her remarkable stories and images as her own.

While viewers partake in this theatrical experience, they will be reminded that every facet of the black experience is unique and complex, and that those characteristics are what make the experience one to treasure. The concepts of life and identification that will be visited in "Mother of the Dark Water" will encourage both ownership and celebration of the Black Woman’s diverse composition. Individuals will have the opportunity to relate to others and their perspectives, while accepting a better understanding of their own. As stated by Steve Bellinger from Picture this Post, "… this is a serious look at what it means to be a black woman, not only in white America, but in black America also.”