Alaiyo

Directed by McKenzie Chinn, Definition Theatre opens its new season with the world premiere of Alaiyo by Micah Ariel Watson. Considered a cross-disciplinary love story and inspired by A Raisin In The Sun, played by famous actors Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, Ariel (Felicia Oduh) becomes infatuated with a young man she meets in school named Kofi. After spending time together as friends, Ariel falls in love with Kofi, which begins a series of events where she fights feelings and fear of rejection, making an imagery spiritual pilgrimage to the shores of Africa to confess her love, only to find something even more precious —a profound love for self. 

Ariel, represent all black women who came to a foreign land where people despise the beauty of their color. Refusing to blend into the melting pot society, many became confused and troubled by the hatred and the gray space in-between life and self-love. Ariel coming from the descendants of Africa and America, grappling with her identity, eventually understood she was beautiful within the darkest parts of herself—and learned to enjoy being Asagai.   

Playwright Micah Ariel Watson, who has a web series called Black Enough, brings that enchanting story of Alaiyo (One for Whom Bread and Food is not enough), teaching us to strive above assimilating but find the true meaning of life within.  Patrick Newson Jr. was great as Kofi; however, Felicia Oduh's enthralling personality and outstanding performance made Alaiyo a play that anyone should bring their daughters who struggle with finding their self-worth. Oduh's delightful curiosity and youthful desire to love and be loved pull you into the story, capturing your soul with each line. 

Definition Theatre is finishing up its new home on the south side of Chicago. Alaiyo was at The Revival. It is a small intimate setting with a simplistic stage that featured linen as a back screen that worked surprisingly well. The 90 minutes, with no intermission, also conveyed a message of self-love, acceptance of others, the identity struggles of blacks in America, and their mistreatment. 

There were a few scenes, like when Kofi's got stopped by the police and hollered at Ariel, that were perplexing and needed more clarification. Still, the world premiere of Alaiyo was an exciting new play with a storyline audiences need to witness and feel. Especially the ladder. 

Let's Play Theatrical Review Recommends Definition Theatre's Alaiyo at The Revival. 

Definition Theater Company

Alaiyo

By Micah Ariel Watson

Directed by McKenzie Chinn

February 3 -26, 2023