“Ruined”

[rating=3]First I want to congratulate the Invictus Theatre Co. Chicago on their new home in the Edgewater Community. It is amazing how a vacant store surrounded by little shops and grocery stores can be converted into a theater. I think this is something that was created right here in Chicago- “the Storefront Theater” and we have lots of them. Interestingly, the Edgewater neighborhood is filling up fast and is a terrific thing to see.

The show they are opening the new theater with is one that also had its start here in Chicago. “Ruined” written by Lynn Nottage was commissioned by the Goodman Theatre, where it had its world premiere back in 2008. The play, directed by Ebby Offord is a story about the women who were caught up in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Soldiers ravaged and raped in the “bush” killing many and ruining others. Many of these young women seeking refuge are taken to houses of ill repute ( brothels) where they get sanctuary and are allowed to live a life rather than be left in the fields. Mama Nadi ( a glorious performance by Tekeisha Yelton Hunter) is a Madame or the keeper of one such house. She brings in these women and although she profits from their activities, she does protect them from the brutality of the outside world and ensures they are clean, well fed and healthy.

The play begins with a supplier of Mama Nadi, asks her to buy two young women he has brought to her home. One of them is a personal family member of his and she has been damaged greatly or “Ruined”. They tortured her so greatly she is in pain almost all of the time and can hardly walk without a limp and pain, Sophie (  deftly handled by Jenise Sheppard) is used as a singer in addition to serving the clients. Salima ( played to perfection by Courtney Gardner) was left by her husband and was also made to service every soldier that wanted her. We learn that she is also with child. There is a powerful scene in Act two where we see just how strong an actress Ms Gardner is. You need to see it for yourself, but she is terrific.

While I congratulate this company for doing a show of this power at a time when our world is coming out of a pandemic ( hopefully on the right path), the set (Kevin Rolfs) had some confusing sections. When they had the big scene in the second act, part of the sleeping quarters was blocked to 1/3 of the audience. There was also a time when we were IN the bar. But Salima’s husband who has been seeking her is standing there ( although, he was outside at the same post before the scene changed) -confusion. It is hard to do big shows in small spaces. In fact, the script has Mama saying that she has 6 girls but we only see three.

The ensemble is mainly men and four women. In addition to Ms Yelton-Hunter, Ms Gardner and Ms Sheppard we have Ms Jenima Charles as Josephine. She does a great job. The male cast is composed of: Brandon Boler,  Javier Carmona ( Mr. Harari), Kejuan Darby, Tamarus Harvell, Barry Irving, Stanley King and Edward Neequaye. There are times that the stage seems a bit crowded, but the actors keep us in the story at all times.

The props (Charles Askenaizer) are plentiful and well done. The costumes by Rueben Echoles are a bit confusing when it comes to uniforms.” Who was after who? “I heard people say. We are reminded that for decades women have been ravaged in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. War is still being waged there which is why, during Black History Month, this story is being rekindled. We must remember- always!

“Ruined” will continue at Invictus Theatre located at 1106 West Thorndale in Chicago thru March 20th with performances as follows:

Mondays  7 p.m.

Thursdays  7 p.m.

Fridays  7p.m.

Saturdays  7 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets $30  $25 for students and seniors. $1.00 fee for using credit card added to purchase

for tickets go to www.invictustheatreco.com/tickets

Street parking ( metered) is right there, but is you go west of Broadway ( after 6 p.m.) the meters are FREE.

Public transportation is easy on this one. The Red Line is about 50 feet from the front door of the theater.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Ruined”