Caroline, or Change
Through
39 year old Caroline Thibodeaux, a maid and divorced mother of
four in 1960s Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” explores the
dynamics of change. Even when we’re miserable and unsatisfied,
change can feel like an impossible undertaking. The rough
comfort of the “devil we know” present opposed against the
definite uncertainty of a changed future. For an uneducated,
poor Black woman in the deep South of the 60’s, change – along
with self-determination, autonomy and agency – are concepts
Caroline neither dared to consider nor fully believe in.
It is 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Caroline spends her
days barely eking out a living as a maid. Much of that time is
spent with wet laundry in the oppressive, unrelenting heat of a
basement located in a house on a swamp. In 1963, the social
transformations – and tragedies - of the 60s were well on their
way – Freedom Riders, Civil Rights Movement marchers, JFK’s
assassination, Viet Nam and the murder of four little girls in
Birmingham’s 16th Street Church. Those tumultuous times, fully
symbolic of revolution, provide the backdrop as Caroline
wrestles with notions of change and progress. Caroline is joined
in this awkward struggle by the Jewish family for whom she
works, who are also confronting fundamental adjustments in their
lives.
Caroline’s
life lacks joy. Caroline’s teenaged daughter poignantly asks her
mother “do you remember fun?” Caroline is more certain of what
she does not want than what she does. While her life has a
certain inevitability given her social status, Caroline is
deeply struck that she is where she is. Nonetheless, like many
of us, she is highly resistant to anything new or unknown. At
the same time, Caroline pulsates with an intense desire for
something better for herself and her children. What gives us the
urgency to change? Is it for young folks only? Is there a point
when it is too late? For whom or for what do we change?
Caroline is a solid sister. What she lacks in “paper”, she makes
up for in pride. She may be a maid, but she definitely isn’t a
mammy. Thankfully, she is not a ham fisted, chops breaking, neck
rolling Black woman. Caroline will easily remind you of the
mothers in our lives whose method of doling out love reflected
the tensions, hardships and struggles of their lives. You will
be proud of Caroline and what she ultimately represents.
Be ready to finger snap, laugh, applaud and enjoy. All of the
performances are strong. Noah, the son of the family for whom
Caroline works, is a scene stealer. Emmie, Caroline’s daughter,
is a show stopper!!
-Lauren
Comments? E-mail me
at:
Lauren@so-LAZE.com
© 2010 - Unauthorized use is prohibited.
