While there are many plays that deal with creating theatre, most of them are comedies and delve into the background hijinks an audience may not see. But Red Velvet, by Lolita Chakrabarti, deals with the history and the drama of making drama. In this case, the first black actor to play Othello on the London Stage, Ira Aldridge. It is portrayed as a memory of Aldridge, played by an impeccable Jimmy Haynie, who creates a nuanced portrayal with the challenges that he faces in London. There’s a wonderful tension between all actors of the London company, with every performance feeling fully present in the moment. No performance went overboard, even with the most comic roles staying honest while providing necessary relief for the audience.

It is very fitting for the final play of his professorial career at Fresno State, to be a piece so deeply engaged with the art of acting. Brad Myers, the director of Red Velvet, chose this piece as the last play and all his talents as a director shine through brilliantly in this production. All the acting is refined and delivered with a clarity that does not go unnoticed.

It is the final day to see this play, and if you have not yet, I suggest you rush over to Fresno State to see it. I could go on and on about specific moments I loved, but I want to get this out before it’s too late for someone else to experience this play. For future productions visit https://cah.fresnostate.edu/theatrearts/performances/current-season.html to see the season and purchase tickets.