Relive the power of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Swimming Upstream: A Testimony, A Prayer, A Hallelujah, An Incantation. Directed by the formidable Eve Ensler of Vagina Monologues fame, Swimming Upstream is a wonderful collection of tales written by women who lived through the two landmark storms. The episodic Swimming, much like Monologues, tells the story of a community through the stories of individuals, including an ex-showgirl from Las Vegas, a gospel singer and an adolescent moviemaker. ยThings ยround here ainยt nothing like they was before,ย declares one woman onstage; the rest of the cast chimes in in agreement.
See why the Atlanta Journal-Constitution called Swimming Upstream ยthe poetic equivalent of a breached levee,ย and why Variety said it ยresembles an engaging church event ย complete with gospel songs, testimonies and hand-clapping redemption.ย 7:30 p.m. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas. For information, call 713-220-5700 or visit www.alleytheatre.org. $25.
Mon., March 21, 2011
This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2011.