The Brothers Size is a deceptively simple three-character play that tackles themes of brotherhood, devotion, and freedom. It is receiving an outstanding production at 1st Stage.
The story involves a pair of brothers. Ogun Size (Gary-Kayi Fletcher) runs an automotive repair shop in Louisiana, while his younger brother Oshoosi Size (Clayton Pelham, Jr.) is recently released from prison. The third character, Oshoosi’s prison friend Elegba (Thony Mena), arrives to stir the pot and provoke additional discord between the brothers. [Note: these three characters draw their names and characteristics from deities in West African Yoruba mythology, as explained in the program.)
Ogun is a stern, serious man who is devoted to his business and building a future. He is stern to the point of harshness with his less serious baby brother, concerned both about Oshoosi’s well-being and the weight of his conduct on Ogun’s own reputation. In contrast, Oshoosi uses humor and a light-hearted approach to survive life’s challenges, including the travails of prison.
Oshoosi has a much stronger relationship with Elegba. The two men actually refer to each other as “brother.” While Elegba seems to want to help Oshoosi, he also poses a threat of a possible return to penitentiary life.
Like many works of great theater, The Brothers Size works on two levels. The characters are based on broad archetypes with lyrical language that gives the work a near mythical quality. At the same time, the characters speak in a modern and realistic manner in a story grounded in the complexities of the African-American experience in the “distant present” of Louisiana’s bayou country.
The play revolves around Oshoosi’s challenges in adapting to his brother, his new circumstances, and his longing to balance conflicting loyalties and achieve life’s simple pleasures (such as a car and female companionship). Clayton Pelham, Jr. gives a superlative performance that is formidable, sympathetic, and even darkly funny, at times.
The other two performances are also excellent. Gary-Kayi Fletcher gives Ogun a commanding presence that hides the deeper emotions that are revealed later in the play. Thony Mena helps make Elegba a charming trickster consistent with his character’s mythical roots.
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The artistic team strongly supports the tone of the play. Director José Carrasquillo helps give the play a weighty urgency that compensates for the slight plot and he maneuvers the characters with a skillful touch. The beautiful set design of Giorgos Tsappas, drawn from elements and icons of Yoruba cosmology, accentuates the archetypal nature of the story. The oft-shadowy lighting design of William K. D-Eugenio also provides the right thematic touches.
Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney is one of the most talented and significant writers in the United States. The Brothers Size (the middle work in the loosely connected three-play work The Brother/Sister Plays), originally produced while he was still a Yale Drama School student, helped him first achieve fame and numerous awards (including a MacArthur “genius” Fellowship). Other works include the Academy Award winning screenplay for Moonlight (2016) and the 2013 off-Broadway play with music Choir Boy which is currently having a Broadway run.
The Brothers Size has an unusual rhythm, one that incorporates elements of music and movement. It also features mighty monologues that reach deep in the souls of the two brothers, speeches that are captivating in their ability to capture the complexities of their relationship and their own personal needs.
While 1st Stage has presented fine theatre in Northern Virginia since its founding in 2008, the excellence of the productions and performances has accelerated upwards since the arrival in Alex Levy as Artistic Director in 2014. Its work rivals the quality of the larger, better known D.C. area theatres. This excellent staging of The Brothers Size offers a great opportunity for newcomers to see why 1st Stage, as was just announced, received the second most Helen Hayes Awards nominations for a production, among all Washington area theatres.
The Brothers Size. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Directed by José Carrasquillo. Featuring Gary-Kayi, Fletcher, Thony Mena, and Clayton Pelham, Jr. Set Design: Giorgos Tsappas. Sound Design: Sarah O’Halloran. Costume Design: Moyenda Kulemeka. Stage Manager: Kathryn Dooley. Lighting Design: William K. D’Eugenio. Assistant Director: Erika Scott. Produced by 1st Stage. Reviewed by Steven McKnight.
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