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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham Paint Me This House of Love
This production marks the U.S. premiere, having first premiered in Toronto in 2023. Ms. Wooley's play is about the fragile bond between a father and daughter who have spent years apart. After an estrangement of 25 years, Cecelia (portrayed with heartbreaking conviction by Monica Hoh) and her father Jules (Ali Goins in a crowd-pleasing role) attempts a reconciliation. Her mother Rhondi (a delightfully hilarious Julie Oliver in a standout performance) is caught in the middle of the rift between the two. The weight of past regrets and unspoken thoughts leaves the two unable to connect through ordinary conversation. Instead, they retreat into their imaginations and preferences of what could/should have been. Both create fairy-tale versions of themselves to explain away their hurt. The beginning of the play may catch some off guard in the way Ms. Woolley has cleverly crafted the dialogue. The conversation between father and daughter is in short spurts of beginnings and endings that may feel rushed and incomplete at first. This is a clever way to symbolize the fragmented knowledge father and daughter have of each other and the difficulty of providing clear understanding through words. When emotion and truth seem to push through, the language becomes more fluid. Though the dialogue between Jules and Cecelia is broken, it feels as though each is in tune with the other that they are finishing each other's sentences. They may be so like each other that they already know what the other is going to say. This is juxtaposed with the relationship between mother and daughter that is more like everyday speech but not much gravity or importance is detected. Flora Bare directs this lovely yet complicated family dynamic. Burning Coal's technical team continues to live up to quality expectations. Honorable mention goes to Stephen R. White who provides scenic and lighting design. He has a daunting task in that, because of certain events that transpire in the story, a significant refresh of paint to the set is necessary between performances. This is a great example of director and designer creating theatre that is unpredictable and live. Though the play feels unresolved by the end, one is left with a feeling that a happy ending is immanent. Ms. Woolley's work offers a wonderful opportunity to ponder love, regret, and the stories we tell to bridge the gaps in our relationships. The production is a poignant experience that may linger with audience members long after they leave their seats. Paint Me This House of Love, presented by the Burning Coal Theatre Company, runs through February 16, 2025, at Murphey School Auditorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh NC. For tickets and information, please visit www.burningcoal.org or call 919-834-4001. Playwright: Chelsea Woolley Cast: |
