Playwright puts new twist on minstrel comedy

by Cynthia Yoder
Khalil Sullivan has revived an old theatrical form in his senior thesis, a "multi-media minstrel dramedy" titled "Playing in the Dark" that will be performed at the Berlind Theatre this month.

While minstrel shows of yore created pseudo black characters by using blackface, he uses white minstrel characters, although not in whiteface. Sullivan, who is earning a degree in English and a certificate in theater and dance, said "Playing in the Dark" was inspired both by his studies and by his experiences as an African American student at Princeton.

At the heart of the play is the love story of two young men, one white, one African American. Justin, who is white, is on the way to a restaurant to come out of the closet to his father when he meets Solomon. Their ensuing relationship is complicated by Justin's father's indifference toward his son and by the fact that Solomon wants to stay closeted.

Around this more realistic narrative swirl minstrel characters who add comedic relief. Solomon's three white roommates, who believe Solomon is straight, are an exaggeration of the stereotyped young, straight male student. A gigantic image of a woman towers over their room on stage. Justin's father, too, is more of a minstrel-like exaggeration.

While no one will appear in whiteface, Sullivan remarked, "Comedic criticism is a way of examining white culture and how we view the culture. I'm using the conventions to show the audience what minstrel comedy can do."

Performances of "Playing in the Dark" are scheduled for 8 p.m. April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. Tickets are available through the McCarter Theatre box office, (609) 258-2787.

Read the full story in the Weekly Bulletin.