The pipeline referred to in the title of the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s latest production is the school system that acts as a conduit from society to school to prison/jail for many inner city youth. Underfunded and struggling public schools, mainly serving children of color, scramble to provide safety and an education in a hostile environment. Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau furthers that discussion in a dramatic and powerful play.
Nya (Ame Donna Kelly) is a public school teacher in a tough inner-city school complete with CCTV cameras and metal detectors. White teacher Laurie (Constance Macy) tackles the challenge of teaching with gusto and a lot of humor, and Dun (Toussaint Jeanlouis) is a young security officer who hasn’t given in to cynicism despite seeing students at their worst behavior. Nya’s son Omari (Cole Taylor) goes to a private school, paid for by her affluent ex-husband Xavier (Andre Garner). Nya is torn between her commitment to the public school system and her desire to see her son get ahead in life, avoiding the pipeline that she sees so many go through daily. An incident at the private school between Omari and a teacher over a lesson on Richard Wright’s Native Son boils over, and Nya and Xavier must deal with their rebellious son. Omari’s girlfriend Jasmine (Renika Williams) provides insight for the angry parents when Omari shuts down. The floodgates finally do open, and Omari’s frustration comes pouring out: trapped between worlds, fearing what may happen to a young black man regardless of his education or intention in a society that sees young black men as a threat. Nya begins to understand that the “pipeline” is only a symptom of a much deeper societal problem. Over everything, the words of Gwendolyn Brooks poem “We Real Cool” are imposed on the backdrop.
Cole Taylor is a gem in his role as Omari — he depicts a swirl of anger and hope and judgement effortlessly. Aime Donna Kelly gives a rich performance of a teacher torn by her loyalties and ideas. Big props should also go to Toussaint Jeanlouis as the security guard Dun, who brings a little levity to the grim teacher’s lounge. Renika Williams and Constance Macy provide delightful points and counterpoints to the main characters, while Andre Garner’s Xavier is a haughty presence that infuriates and comforts at the same time.
The IRT Upperstage is tricked out cleverly, with sliding panels that effortless transform the space, thanks to the vision of scenic designer Junghyun Georgia Lee. Projection designer Reuben Lucas and lighting designer Xavier Pierce create mood and message, projecting the Brooks poem, graffiti, and surveillance footage in an ever-shifting dynamic. Director Raelle Myrick-Hodges sets a breathless pace in Pipeline, which will leave the audience talking about the themes of the play late into the night.
Pipeline will be on stage until November 11, and is not to be missed. Visit www.irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 for seat availability.
