When Omari, feeling pressured and angry, pushes a teacher into a smartboard, he risks expulsion – or even criminal charges. Nya must grapple with the decisions she and her ex-husband Xavier (Sidney Sauseda) have made for his upbringing, and for his future.
The play is framed by the poem “We Real Cool,” by Gwendolyn Brooks which hangs over it like a threat and a prophecy:
"THE POOL PLAYERS.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL
We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We
Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We
Jazz June. We
Die soon.”
Rebecca Lane as Laurie is a tough and passionate teacher at Nya's school, who dramatizes a teacher's point of view. Brandon Arnold as security guard Dun is a good man working in near-impossible circumstances, and Ayana Payne is a saucy Jasmine, Omari’s girlfriend.
Pipeline gives us a difficult look at this African American family’s struggles and especially the mother-son relationship. Director Janell Hall has given us a fast paced 90 minutes of insight into the pressures of fighting educational and social systems. Vanessa Estibiiero’s sound, and projections enhance the experience.
Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood is at 2200 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing, just east of Eastwood Town Center, directly across from McAllister’s Deli. Drive down the east side of the building to the back parking lot and enter in the back. The stage is upstairs and there is an elevator. Come early for best seats (general seating) and to take advantage of the snack bar, since there is no intermission.
Pipeline continues March 2, 8 & 9 at 8 pm. Tickets at https://our.show/ixionpipeline.