Mercer Theatre’s upcoming production aims to shed light on stereotypes and start conversations to change toxic narratives. “The Colored Museum” uses satire to present 11 “exhibits,” or scenes, showing prominent themes and stereotypes of African American culture.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-23 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 24 at Tattnall Square Center for the Arts in Macon. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for everyone else, and can be purchased at tickets.mercer.edu.
“The Colored Museum,” written by George C. Wolfe in 1986, is the senior capstone project of Aniyah Parham, who is making her directorial debut. The project combines both of her majors, theater and Africana studies. Parham said she selected this particular play, so she could address some of the stereotypes perpetuated about African Americans.
“Aniyah has been such an amazing part of our program as a reliable resource for students and a dependable collaborator with faculty,” said Frani Rollins, program director of Mercer Theatre and co-chair of communications studies and theater. “Having her at the wheel for ‘The Colored Museum’ brings a fresh and relevant perspective to this script while providing our department with a student-centered collaborative environment that reflects the collective energy of our current program.”
Rollins said Parham’s creative, mixed methodology research has led to a one-of-a-kind senior project. Starting in January, Parham conducted extensive research before deciding on the costumes, set style, configuration of the theater, lighting design and other logistics. Parham said she drew inspiration from recorded stage versions of “The Colored Museum” and existing African American museums and worked to redefine the play and make it more interactive.
“It’s a really mature show. It’s definitely for age groups that are able to comprehend the toxic narratives about the Black American experience,” said Parham, who was awarded Mercer’s Outstanding Senior in Theatre Award in May and will graduate in December. “Each (scene) exhibits a different stereotype, a different take on Black culture.”
For example, Parham said one of her favorite exhibits, called “The Last Mama on the Couch,” addresses stereotypes in Black theater and Black film and includes a musical number.
“Aniyah’s choice to bring this script to the Mercer community is so valuable because it encourages critical and often uncomfortable conversations on race, stereotypes and biases,” Rollins said. “The satirical storytelling on complex topics will help initiate conversations that will encourage our students to connect and empathize in ways that go beyond the classroom and the Mercer campus.”
Parham hopes the play gets classmates and community members talking about these topics, even if the conversations are a little uncomfortable.
“I want audiences to understand the severity of stereotypes, but I also want them to understand the agency displayed by Black people for taking back these stereotypes and changing the meaning of them,” she said.
Parham, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in lighting design, has enjoyed her first experience as a director. The production involves 38 students on stage and behind the scenes. Parham said the play has created a special opportunity for Black students at Mercer to showcase their theater talents and abilities.
“I think my favorite thing when it comes to directing is meeting and talking to everyone, learning more about people, and watching them start from not knowing anything about their character and coming to this point where they’re stepping in to be their character,” she said.
