No Child. . .

NO CHILD… Written and performed by Nilaja Sun; directed by Hal Brooks. Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison Street @ Shattuck. 510-647-2949 or www.berkeleyrep.org. May 11 – June 1, 2008.

AN INSPIRING 70 MINUTE SOLO PERFORMANCE

Using the term “solo performance” is not appropriate when fascinating, talented Nilaja Sun takes the stage. Unlike Danny Hoch’s “Taking Over” where he devoted distinct sections of time to his nine characters, Nilaja brings to life a stage full of characters with almost instantaneous alacrity. She starts with a dedicated gimpy janitor cleaning up the original Off Broadway (Narelle Sissions) brick and linoleum set design (local scenic design by Sibyl Wickersheimer) instantly morphing to multiethnic students with a few adults thrown in. Although there is a plethora humor, it is a dead serious tour de force example of the transforming power of art.

The title refers to the ostensible failure of George W’s promise of “No child left behind.” Nilaja Sun, raised in the Lower East Side of New York City, worked as a teaching artist within the public schools for nine years. Her experiences during those nine years are the basis for her “story about a play within a play within a play." Sun, being behind in her rent, and needing money, undertakes to stage a play using an unruly and neglected “worst”10^th grade class in Malcolm X High School. The obstacles she must overcome seem impossible and at times she threatens to quit. She does not. Gradually over a period of weeks, the students, under Sun’s perseverance and the chance to be appreciated, fall under the allure of being on stage.

She complements the diction and speech patterns with body language, arm movements and facial expressions expertly bringing individualism to the polyglot language of the students. The entire production demands your attention since the words and inflections are “street-speak” lingo that are at times almost unintelligible. As rehearsals progress, their projection and diction show improvement and each student gains self confidence; thus proving the transforming power of drama in particular and art in general.

Under the dedicated tutelage of director Hal Brooks, the show has had phenomenal success wherever it has played, winning six awards in 2007 including the coveted Obie Award for Distinguished Performance. Although Sun’s acting credits are impressive “No Child. . .” heralds her breakout performance. She starts her National Tour here in Berkeley where Berkeley Rep adds another feather in its cap for staging and developing award-winning productions that have received accolades in subsequent national productions.

The opening night standing ovation was a testament to Sun’s brilliant performance with a message for all of us. Do not miss this show.

Courtesy of TheatreWorld Internet Magazine