Off-Broadway Review

OFF-BROADWAY 22 REVIEW Women’s History Month Black Immigrant Woman Strikes “Gold” By Vinette K. Pryce Special Assignment lusive to many stories about immigrants are Ethe joys of growing up in societies that focus more on people and less on technology. Often tales of past terror, de- spair and suffrage overwhelm and dominate conversations about why families migrate to Canada, Great Britain and America. However, “Demerara Gold” squarely embraces the sim- plicity, freedom and unique aspects of growing up in a one-woman production set in a region sometimes referred to Caribbean, sometimes Latin America and always Third World country. Once known as Demerara (because of a river that runs BEACON, March 23 - March 29, 2017 newyorkbeacon.net 23 - March BEACON, March through it) later British Guiana and now Guyana, a bedrock for yellow, gold portrayed by (In- Actress Ingrid Griffth performs “Demerara Gold” grid Griffth), the engaging pre- sentation provides innocence, acters that come to life as role Hilarious and often reminis- glee, excitement, angst, pride, models that shaped her youth. cent of experiences relatable (L-R) NYU Dental Student Emer Bajuelos from Cuba joined hope, carnival, and a banner of In a recurring dream, it is to every Caribbean national Actress Ingrid Griffth following One-Woman Showcase about tri-color that blazed indepen- a woman emerging from the there are some dark moments her immigrant experience. (Photo: Vinette K. Pryce) dence when it embarked on sea that haunts her sleep. And that resonate with reality and self-rule from Britain in 1966. when her grandmother remains balance. nities that encompass fnding platinum patent to BRAATA’s There is history, geogra- loyal to her husband despite the Ironically it is during ado- the American Dream, the lively, treasure trove of annual pre- phy and life lessons that tran- fact he left for many years with- lescence when she arrives in carefree, Caribbean upbringing sentations. scend generations. Through out a hint of reason returning the USA that she fully blooms morphs into a nightmare. Griffth’s singular appear- a one-woman journey from with a large stash of gold to ap- to understand the ramifcations Griffth’s talent cannot be ance merits many more outings a 7-year-old youth to adoles- peal to her feminine resilience of her father’s casual rum shop overstated. From face, fngers and far-reaching audiences cence and teenage transition, it is pure 14 carat metal. stops, his mood swings and her to feet she successfully captures deprived of the limited engage- Griffth takes audiences from At times the patois is poi- mother’s total devotion to him images absent from the set. At ments some were privileged the rural community she was gnant, particularly in prayer when she was a mere child. times, video projections and to enjoy recently at the New born to the big city of Queens, when little Ingrid appeals to a Stress on this mainland am- music enhance an 80-minute Perspective Theatre. New York when she is reunited higher authority saying “gentle plifes the naivete she might non-stop bio-drama that tackles It is productions such as with her immigrant parents. Jesus meek and mild…” Grow- have overlooked back home. domestic violence, ambition, “Demerara Gold” that the late She uses the voices of 18 ing into womanhood, Ingrid But with added novelties, pop family values, migrant concerns, Vivian Robinson must have individuals clearly nuanced by blossoms becoming adorable radio blaring “Shaft,” the Sugar- and adjustment to a new society. appreciated when she perceived individuals she is intimately when disguising a longing hill Gang, and the “I Love New “Demerara” is the sugary, an AUDELO Awards in 1973 acquainted. That it is staged in for her mother’s presence by York” theme song, a hip Yankee sweet nostalgia that should to honor excellence in Black Women’s History Month, the de- rebelling combing her hair and schoolmate, dalliance with sex, travel through the boroughs. theater. Hip-hip, hooray Grif- lightful showcase integrates her when she defes her grandma’s Seventh Day Adventists and a “Gold” is the brilliant mettle fth struck gold and it shines parents, grandparents, sibling, discipline or licks her lips after full-blown alcoholic father, a that decorates the jewel in her with excellence, charm and relatives, and friends with char- sneaking macaroni and cheese. battered mother and all the ame- crown. Together, they bring brilliance. Disc-Chat Morgan Heritage Wants Everyone To Feel Good Edited By upbeat anthem -- co-produced studio album. Don Thomas by DreZion, also a keyboardist It’s due this Spring via the for the band -- was none other group’s own Cool To Be Con- year ago at this time, than Reggae Icon and Rock scious (CTBC) label. The proj- Morgan Heritage was 20 and Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy ect’s frst single “Selah” was A days away from winning Cliff. released last summer. “We its frst Grammy Award for Best After receiving the track wanted to start the year off with Reggae Album with its 10th from DreZion and playing it a song to get people feeling studio album, Strictly Roots. on the tour bus last year, Mor- good despite all that’s going on Now the critically acclaimed gan Heritage Vocalist Peetah in the world today,” the entire group is ramping up a world Morgan recalls, “All we could group concluded. tour and fnishing up its forth- hear was Jimmy Cliff’s song Morgan and his four sib- coming new album -- a taste of ‘Reggae Night.’ And like lings-Una Morgan (keyboard/ which premieres exclusively on many around the world, we are vocals), Roy “Gramps” Morgan Billboard.com. big Jimmy Cliff fans. The song (keyboard/vocals), Nehemi- “Reggae Night” featuring basically wrote itself once we ah “Lukes” Morgan (rhythm DreZion fnds Morgan Heritage were singing the hook and just guitar) and Memmalatel “Mr. directing That “everyone take vibing.” Mojo” Morgan (percussion/ a load off” as the group shifts Vocals for the track were vocals)-will personally deliver into fourth-gear jam mode. recorded last October in a hotel room while in Zimbabwe. is the second single from Mor- that message when the quintet Providing the inspiration for the studio the group set up in its Available now, “Reggae Night” gan Heritage’s yet-untitled 11th kicks off its world tour. .

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