Towne Street Theater, which moved this year into a brand-new, spiffy location in Leimert Park, is offering the world premiere of Harriet A. Dickey's Joleta. A fascinating study of a contemporary black family's struggle to come to grips with its complex and flawed history, the play looks at the way thwarted love, skin-color consciousness and power struggles have affected each member of the Lyles household. The impending death of the matriarch, Marguerite (Michelle Davison alternating with Phyllis Applegate), gives weight to the internal conflicts, as does the return from prison of a key character, Percy (Sy Richardson/Lou Beatty, Jr.).
Thirty years earlier (1952), the young Percy (Trevor Gordon/Wendell Neal)) was in love with the equally young Marguerite (Nancy Renee/Dallia Brown-Geiger), only to lose her to his longtime rival, the scoundrelly but lighter-skinned Vernon (Joel Steingold/William L. Johnson). Percy then married the slutty Joleta (Susan McWilliams/Lira Angel) on the rebound, only have Vernon seduce her as well. A crime of passion results; Percy is sentenced to a long jail term. Who really killed Joleta becomes an issue, as does the question of who fathered which of the four Lyles sisters.
Despite its touches of melodrama and occasional soapiness, Joleta succeeds because of its strong characters, gripping confrontation scenes and large latherings of humor. The production is also noteworthy for its fine ensemble acting and skillful direction.
