“Truth” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80
“Truth” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80 Music by Paula M. Kimper and Libretto by Talaya Delaney Directed by Linda McInerney and Lori Holmes Clark Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
In 1797 Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in Ulster County, New York. “The state of New York began, in 1799, to legislate the abolition of slavery, although the process of emancipating New York slaves was not complete until July 4, 1827. Dumont had promised to grant Truth her freedom a year before the state emancipation, if she would do well and be faithful. However, he changed his mind, claiming a hand injury had made her less productive. She was infuriated but continued working, spinning 100 pounds of wool, to satisfy her sense of obligation to him.”
Isabella (Belle) “declared herself free” and escaped in 1826 and began a journey which led her to be among the most important abolitionists and women’s rights activists in American history. On June 1, 1843, Belle responded to God’s call, changed her name to Sojourner Truth and traveled extensively to preach about the abolition of slavery.
Paula Kimper and Talaya Delaney’s “Truth” is the new opera which traces Sojourner Truth’s remarkable life and ministry from her days as a slave to her death. Act I chronicles Belle’s history from slavery to freedom; Act II narrates the education of Sojourner Truth; and Act III relates Sojourner Truth’s use of her voice to change the world. Throughout the opera’s fourteen clearly delineated scenes, soprano Mari-Yan Pringle delivers a perfect portrait of Sojourner Truth. Ms. Pringle clearly understands her character and her character’s complex conflicts and shares Sojourner’s pilgrimage with precise movement and with a beautiful soprano voice. She captures each of Paula Kimper’s notes and Talaya Delaney’s libretto with her steady and controlled voice which resounds with power and dignity throughout the theatre. As she enunciates each word and successfully tackles every phrase, Ms. Pringle brings Sojourner Truth to life with an honest and heartfelt performance.
Equally effective in their multiple roles are baritone Jorell Williams who delineates with stunning precision between Baumfree and Frederick Douglas and whose strong secure tones counterpoint beautifully with those of Ms. Pringle. Tenor Stephen Biegner has the ability to differentiate between his three disparate characters with ease. His John Dumont could not be more despicable and his Elijah Pierson more engaging. Soprano Heather Michele Meyer also handles her multiple roles with grace and exceptional craft. Boy Soprano Jaylen Fontaine makes a heroic effort to fulfill his roles at Peter and The Child. His soft soprano and his charming presence complement this formidable ensemble cast.
Under Lori Holmes Clark and Linda McInerny’s deliberate and inventive direction, the cast of “Truth” manages to bring Sojourner’s life to the stage with near perfection. It will be good to see future productions with more elaborate sets and an orchestra off stage. And it is clear to this reviewer that “Truth” will have a wonderful future. Next time, a full libretto or, at minimum, a song list would be helpful to the audience.
TRUTH
“Truth” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Once in a Blue Moon Music at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place (1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue).
All performances of “Truth” take place at on the following schedule: Friday August 16th at 7:45 p.m.; Saturday August 17th at 9:15 p.m.; and Sunday August 25th at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. For more information about the show, please visit http://paulakimper.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, August 15, 2013
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