'The Brothers Size' Conveys Longing, Explores Race

The Brothers Size, a poetry drama written by Tarell Alvin McCraney that explores family ties, personal longing, and race, opens Wednesday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m. in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building's Flexible Theatre with repeat performances February 12–14 at 8:00 p.m. and February 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Directed by Connecticut Critic’s Circle award-winning actor Aaron Moss, assistant professor of theater, the play stars three actors—Denzel Williams, Kwame Feaster, and Shameed Wright—and uses language, music, dance, and a contemporary twist on West African mythology to convey the tenuousness of freedom and the desire to belong.

Because it’s a concept play, the actors shift between playing the characters and narrating what their characters are doing with nods to West African storytelling. The play takes place in the Louisiana bayou, but Moss said The Brothers Size should resonate with Buffalo audiences with its deep emotions and references to racism that permeate all segments of the country.

"This is a play I particularly love," said Moss. "I was reading the play during the trial of George Zimmerman and it really struck a chord with me. The play was written around 2006, but it is so relevant to what has been happening since with the Zimmerman trial and other incidents targeting African American males."

Although the show is not billed as musical, the actors dance and sing a cappella throughout.

"I think this goes to show our students are trained to be versatile," Moss said. "We wanted actors who can move and tell a story and present a physical presence on stage. And we found talented students who could handle all three adeptly."

Tickets are $15 for the general public; $10 for Buffalo State faculty, staff, and alumni; $6 for Buffalo State students; and free for high school students with ID. Purchase tickets online or by calling (716) 878-3005.