The Orange is Blue

A configured room within an existing room presented the stage for the upcoming performance of Blue/Orange. Well lit, the arrangement of the set made it difficult to choose what seat to occupy. The positioning of certain objects such as couches and a desk made it tough to make a decisive decision on where one should sit, because no matter what some of the performance would be compromised visually. Upon making a decision I began to ponder the possibilities the play would bring and then it started…

With no preliminary judgment on the ratings of Blue/Orange I had become engaged on what was to come. Three strong and uniquely dynamic and dominant female characters presented an amazing performance. The first half was a bit difficult to follow as far as the storyline was concerned. There were two psychiatrists, one of which was trying to help a patient peel back the layers and figure out her problem. The advice and supervision of the senior psychiatrists conflicted with the views of the other. There was a lot of dialogue that went back and forth that often times did not resolve or help the progression of the play. The over flow of dialogue and information was overwhelming. I would consider the acting and skillful talent of the characters and actors well versed and attractive. The content of the play, I felt, conveyed a message about racism with other underlying themes. When watching the story unfold it was difficult to pinpoint the main character, because throughout the play each character was individually powerful.

The second half of the play commanded the audience with an authoritative performance. It was a complete turn-around from the first half. It was very convincing and well structured. I should note that the women flawlessly executed this play originally scripted for male characters. The dialogue flowed and began to produce several solutions that were indicative of an ending. The fluctuation in tempers among the female characters also drew assumptions of a hierarchy. At one point I assumed one character was in charge and in an instant a conversation had changed my opinion. The power struggle within this play brought an intense and dramatic performance. Although I was not completely sold on the actual substance of the story, this play exhibited that it is possible to take an average or what may seem to some as boring story, and turn it around with a powerful performance.

Evelyn Amezcua

UCR