By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — As this San Diego premiere of White opens at the Scripps Ranch Theatre, we hear popular buzzwords about diversity and inclusion being derided by Jane (Noelle Caliguri), curator of a trending gallery and Gus (Joey Landwehr) a friend and prolific artist. Jane is eagerly preparing to open a show that will challenge the status quo and be daring. This show will feature people of color, women, virtually artists of all flavors excepting “white dudes.’
While there are several comedic moments and decidedly funny dialogue, the undercurrent of the entire story asks provocative questions about personal bias and as the director queries, “How do we navigate the fine line between appreciation and appropriation?” This is the work of this fast-paced thoughtful show.
Gus, a White gay man, desperately wants to be accepted into this prestigious art collection. Enter the aspiring African American actor, Vanessa (Mysia Anderson.) The pair have a palpable chemistry and come to a meeting of the minds about how they can each advance their own cause by working together. Some very smart dialogue reveals the White privilege mindset and the pigeonholing that cuts both ways, exposing a divide between race and gender.
As the plot thickens and Gus and Vanessa become interdependent, Tanner (Kevin Phantom), Gus’s lover, becomes agitated and questions Gus about his beliefs and motivation, not only in the art world but in terms of their relationship.
The talent on this sparsely decorated set is almost in diametric opposition. The mostly empty white space gives even greater volume to these incredible actors. Landwehr of JCC fame, is an actor, director, Tony-nominated fellow. Mysia exudes feminism, incredible voice modulation and a vibrant physicality into her many roles. Jane expertly captures the persona of the edgy curator who wants to embrace a world to which she is herself a mere visitor. While she cannot know the Black lesbian experience of that world, she is intent on promoting its raw truths in her show. Tanner, provides a loving supportive partner, while also revealing his own vulnerability and struggles in a mixed-race homosexual relationship.
The 90-minute show does such an excellent job of making us examine our blind spots as well as our stereotypes. The actors and James Ijames’ script force us to confront the facet of ourselves of which we may not be so proud. Under Yolanda Marie Franklin’s direction, the actors make us squirm as we must acknowledge our limiting thoughts and often thoughtless actions.
White will run at Scripps Ranch Theatre through March 9, 2025. Tickets may be purchased by phone 858.395.0573 or online at scrippsranchtheatre.com/tickets.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.
Sounds choc full of food for thought! Thanks for the review. Much appreciated.