THE STORY: Lewis is a tenured professor of mathematics at a well-regarded university. Underneath his veneer of success, however, lies a soul troubled by questions of personal and cultural identity. When his wife leaves him, apparently due to the fact that he won’t embrace his heritage and attend the Million Man March, Lewis experiences a disorienting insomnia and inadvertently conjures his ancestors. Three generations of men (all played by one actor), from slavery through Black Power, challenge Lewis to embark on a night journey combining past and present. Infused with abundant humor and woven through with original songs, BLUE DOOR is a tour de force for two actors, a vivid, exuberantly theatrical play about the African-American male experience.
“Tanya Barfield’s thoughtful play deals with themes central to the work of August Wilson. Mr. Wilson examined the African-American experience through a wide-angle lens. Ms. Barfield concentrates on the same battle but locates it in a single man’s soul.” —The New York Times.
“…a play of psychological power and haunting beauty that plumbs difficult issues of racial identity and assimilation with a sense of confidence and sophistication uncommon in a relatively young playwright…moves with the speed and logic of a dream.” —Seattle Weekly.
“…razor-sharp, funny and poignant…alternately ironic [and] touching…” —Seattle Times.
“Intelligent…unfailingly thought-provoking…Barfield poses sharp questions and counter-questions on contemporary black identity. Her vision is fearless and humane.” —Los Angeles Times.
“…the writing never asks for pity. Instead, demons are faced with humor and incisive metaphors…BLUE DOOR finds the urgent life in centuries of memories.” —Variety.
“…a towering achievement…” —Daily Challenge.
“[A] masterful and shatteringly tragic new play.” —Orange Country Register.
