Down Memory Lane with South Camden Theatre Company’s DOT by Colman Domingo

by: April Johnson

On Saturday, November 8^th, I was delighted to view South Camden Theatre Company’s presentation of DOT written by the award-winning actor and playwright Colman Domingo and directed by Zuhairah McGill. As the closing production of the company’s 20^th season theme “Seasons of Love,” DOT is a contemporary story of the Shealy family who is dealing with the cognitive decline of their matriarch, Dotty.  

DOT premiered as a part of the Humana Festival at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in March 2015 under the direction of Meredith McDonough. It opened off-Broadway at Vineyard Theater in February 2016.

Set in the time of Christmas in West Philadelphia, this present-day piece is centered around a matriarch who is battling dementia, one that we all know as Alzheimer's disease. Her oldest daughter Shelly, a lawyer, finds her mother’s illness more pressing and may have to make a dismal decision as a result. In addition, she expresses her frustrations toward her family--especially her youngest sister, Avirie, the playfully rambunctious sibling of the group; and her brother Donnie, a music archivist who lives in New York finding himself at an impasse regarding his career and relationship with his husband Adam.  Dotty finds comfort in her caretaker Fidel, an expatriate seeking asylum from his homeland, Kazakhstan. Yet, Shelly knows that as Dotty illness progresses, she will need more attention; therefore, possibly resort to placing her mother in an assisted living facility if her family doesn’t step up.  Another taking refuge from her entangled life in New York is the Shealy’s family friend/former neighbor, and Donnie’s former girlfriend, Jackie.    

“DOT does not shy away from the challenges—both emotional and practical—that come with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Instead, it shines a light on the moments of grace, laughter, and healing that emerge when a family chooses to face those challenges together…DOT helps us see ourselves and our loved ones with greater empathy and reminds us of the power of community and understanding.”— Dawn Varava, Artistic Director.

Via the mastery in stage direction from Zuhairah McGill, this spectacularly talented cast is integral in delivering such a message.  Nancy Marie is fascinating as Dotty, displaying her flexibility in comedic timing, physical and mental intensity, and vulnerability in somber scenes throughout the performance. Tasha Holmes commands the stage with her steady pace, calm demeanor, yet ever-changing coif as Shelly.  Malik Muhammad delivers a remarkable performance in his acting debut as the complexly conflicted Donnie.  Known as an exciting performer in musicals, I am looking forward to seeing him venture in more plays and broaden his bandwidth. Janan Ashton is outstanding as the high-spirited sister, Averie, seamlessly welding into her character--as if she was born for this role. Christopher David Roche is marvelous as the endearing Adam, providing the practicality and devotion in one of the most touching scenes. Have your tissues ready. Bastion Carboni is soul-stirring as Fidel voicing the importance of connection and compassion no matter what “barrier”—whether culturally, generationally, or linguistically.  Alli Smalley is dazzling as the neurotic Jackie, giving us a range of rapid-fire emotions; reminding us we can always come home to re-center. 

August Fen DeLuca serves as Stage Manager. Scenic design, spearheaded by Robert Bingaman, creates a cozy, inviting, and functional, home set infused with warmth topped off with holiday mood music. Lighting Design was skillful in addition to scene design, displaying projected keepsakes and photos, along with generating poignant moments, thanks to Hunter A. Mountz. Costume design is by Louise Gareau with time and style appropriate present-day apparel. Sound design is by Jairous L. Parker, Sr. and Pam Staley oversees props. 

I will try my best not to be a queen of repetition--it has been a long time since I left a production reflecting and processing so many thoughts and feelings. So please forgive me while I express myself.  DOT is produced and executed with excellence. The story is thoughtfully delivered with humor and authenticity.  The acting conveyed this story to living color with a palatable balance of comedy and drama.  The emotions evoked us, the audience, to uproarious laughter, inaudible tears, and converted mindfulness concerning humanity. We all are allotted time--these dots, these precious marks in life.  However, it’s a vapor. It’s not always about how abundant or how minimal we are given; it's what we do with it. This two-hour production suggests a myriad of messages: how valued time is, how vital family is, and how we are all connected.  The connections of those dots can create a vast and beautiful picture, harvesting a multitude of memories.  Memory is a powerful thing and can transport us back to moments of happiness and simplicity. How we seek people for strength, when in fact, they may need us in the same fashion. Change is constant, uncontrollable and at times, painful. Ponder that one question that resounds throughout the beginning of this show. Time is short--however it is a portion of a transformative element if we treasure our loved ones and the moments we collectively create. It is the music of life, and we must make time to sing and dance with the ones we cherish. I urge you to come and see this production.  Bring friends, bring family; especially those who have members and friends who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  DOT is an emotional roller coaster that's well worth the ride.

DOT is playing at South Camden Theater until November 23^rd; Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm.  The show runs for two hours with a fifteen-minute intermission. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.southcamdentheatre.org/.