It's Thursday, and that means theater critic J. Wynn Rousuck joins Tom with her weekly review of one of the region's many thespian offerings. Today, she talks about EverymanTheatre's new production of Intimate Apparel,a play that premiered in 2003 at Baltimore's Center Stage. It's a contemporary work written in classic style by Lynn Nottage, the first female playwright to win two Pulitzers.
Inspired by a true story, Intimate Apparel centers on Esther (played by Dawn Ursula), a self-employed African American seamstress in turn-of-the-century New York who is working hard - and saving her money - making beautiful undergarments for her well-to-do clientele. But she dreams of a grander life, while nurturing her fondness for a Jewish fabric merchant (played by Drew Kopas). As an emotionally wrenching turn of events puts Esther’s dreams at risk, the play explores the tenacity of the human spirit against the powerful pressures of class, race and culture.
The play is directed by Tazewell Thompson.
Intimate Apparel continues at Everyman Theatre through Sunday, November 19th.
