Playwright: Margaret Lewis
At: Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield
Phone: (773) 883-8830
Runs through: April 3
Burying the Bones is a Downstage Left Level IV world premiere by Chicago playwright Margaret Lewis that examines the challenges one South African woman (Mae) must face when her husband (James) mysteriously vanishes and she is then haunted by his ghost. In order to seek answers, she turns to her country's post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission only to discover that there are even more surprising lies and secrets that must be uncovered before the truth is known.
Guest artist Ansa Akyear, AEA, who plays the role of James, gives a commanding performance and takes us into the painful decision of accepting either life or death in the struggle to achieve civil rights. Demetria Thomas shines in her role as Cassandra, the older sister of Mae who feels it is her role to protect her sibling at all costs.
The play is filled with surprises and leaves us with the realization that we often do not know those whom we most love as much as we might believe. While it moves a bit slowly in the early goings, the play does pick up steam, particularly in the scenes where the council questions a leading officer about involvement in the disappearance of James.
Is everything in a society affected by racism really all black and white? Do the needs of the family always outweigh those of community? These, and other provocative questions are explored by the playwright.
It's a play worth seeing—but be aware that it may leave you with more questions than answers.
