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‘Mrs. Harrison’: Movable mosaic of a showdown in an upscale bathroom
The article reviews Portland Center Stage’s production of R. Eric Thomas’s play, 'Mrs. Harrison,' which premiered in 2018. Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, the 70-minute drama features a dense, intricate narrative carried by two actresses, Cycerli Ash and Claire Rigsby. The play’s setting is an upscale faculty bathroom at a prestigious university, where two women, Aisha (Black, a successful playwright) and Holly (white, a struggling standup comedian), encounter each other at their 10-year reunion. The production is described as being as complex as a medieval tapestry, demanding close audience attention to its subtly woven dialogue and body language.
The core of the drama revolves around Holly’s insistent belief that Aisha plagiarized a tragic story from Holly’s life to create a successful play. Aisha initially feigns ignorance, creating an atmosphere of tension and unspoken history. The set design by Derek Easton, featuring lavender-striped wallpaper and elegant furnishings, ironically contrasts with the emotional conflict that unfolds within this pristine space. Costume designer Lucy Wells’s choices, particularly Aisha’s elegant blue silk jumpsuit, further emphasize the characters’ contrasting personas and professional standings.
The play explores profound themes of race, friendship, and the ownership of personal narratives. Thomas, the playwright, deliberately leaves questions unanswered, inviting audience interpretation. He stated that he identified more with Holly when writing the play, highlighting the nuanced perspectives on storytelling. The review notes how Holly's character, particularly her comment about having a "maid" as a child, can alienate some audience members, demonstrating how individual experiences shape interpretations of the characters.
The production uses sound and light design, by Phil Johnson and Alexz Trent Eccles respectively, to escalate the dramatic tension, culminating in a striking, almost magical ending. The play concludes with Rihanna’s “Only Girl (in the World),” suggesting a broader message about acknowledging each other’s existence and moving beyond self-centered perspectives. The review emphasizes that 'Mrs. Harrison' does not offer easy resolutions but rather encourages reflection on complex social issues. The play ran through February 16 at PCS’s U.S. Bank Mainstage.
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