‘Furlough’s Paradise‘ is a story about family, love and restoration.
Two cousins, once inseparable, but now living very different lives, reconnect over three days after the death of a loved one.
Cousins Sade (DeWanda Wise) and Mina (Kacie Rogers) are living polar opposite lives that intersect over three days.
Mina is living a “good life” working for Google while Sade’s life was interrupted. She finds herself in prison and is allowed a three day furlough to attend her mother’s funeral back home.
Over the three days, Sade and Mina reconnect over past experience, current trauma and their looking forward to a future that includes them restoring their bond. They share intimate thoughts of their respective partners – both women – although things nearly come to blows when its revealed that Mina’s girlfriend is White. Like, white, white.
Playwright A.K. Payne doesn’t divulge what landed Sade in prison but alludes to her upbringing as a focal point of those circumstances.
As the clock ticks towards the end of her visit, Sade is allowed the ability to be free.
Free to shower as long as she wants. Free to eat her favorite cereal. Free to bond with Mina over childhood TV shows. Free to share her thoughts.
Payne did a remarkable job of writing a story that is centered around family which is relatable to all audiences. Director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden brought out amazing performances from Rogers and Wise that are authentic and pure.
Set design and wardrobe added an additional layer of simplicity as Mina’s apartment doubles as an Airbnb for her to make extra money, but is well stocked with Sade’s favorite things which provide not only a sense of normalcy but also demonstrates the everlasting bond between the two.
The notion that despite how different our lives may have become, their foundation is strong and withstands time and separation.
‘Furlough’s Paradise’ is a true journey to paradise now playing at Geffen Playhouse through May 18.
‘Furlough’s Paradise’
Where: Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles
Contact: (310) 208- 2028 or www.geffenplayhouse.org
Running time: 1 hours and 20 minutes, no intermission
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This production is made possible, in part, by support from Cast Iron Entertainment and the National Endowment for the Arts. Geffen Playhouse’s Theater as a Lens for Justice initiative provides access to this production and supplementary programs for populations impacted by incarceration and is supported, in part, by Jayne Baron Sherman. Audience Engagement initiatives for Furlough‘s Paradise are supported by The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation.
