By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
Zora Howard’s play, “Stew,” is described as a captivating, funny and intimate story about the relationship between mothers and daughters and the realities that bind them together. The show takes place entirely in the family’s kitchen.
A 2021 Pulitzer Prize finalist, “Stew” is playing through March 24 at Ebony Repertory Theatre’s home at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.
The title, “Stew,” not only refers to the dish being made on the stove by everyone in the household throughout the 90-minute show, but it can also be a metaphor for the various personalities and relationships that make up Mama’s home.
A lot is going on in Mama’s Mt. Vernon, New York kitchen shared with her daughter Nelly (Nedra Snipes), granddaughter Lil Mama (iesha m. daniels), and her daughter Lillian, played by Roslyn Ruff, who delivers a commanding, impassioned and authentic performance in her Ebony Repertory Theatre debut.
Ruff, a 20-year veteran of the stage, which includes Broadway, off-Broadway and many regional theaters, is one of those unforgettable actors who will have audiences talking about her performance long after the show has ended. She believes “Stew” is an extraordinary piece of theater and her performance is her testimony.
“I consider ‘Stew’ to be an examination of one woman and how she is navigating her feelings around a life-changing event,” said Ruff, who studied management for nonprofits at Medaille College in Buffalo and attended graduate school at a program at Harvard. “The show is an examination of how we hold grief. The mothers, sisters and aunts are left behind after tragedies.”
Ruff, who “loved the play” after the first time she read it, believes the show’s language is brilliant.
“I love the pace of the language,” she said. “It’s a feast for an actor.”
Ruff, who is proud of the fact that she can call herself a working actress, understands her character, Lillian, because “she’s human.”
“I refer to her as Lillian Danielle Tucker,” Ruff said. “She’s the second oldest of a group of women on the stage. She is navigating a crossroads in her life. She is also experiencing grief in terms of where she is in her relationship. Sometimes in life, we are at a place where we are not necessarily forced — whether we choose ourselves or we continue down a path.”
Ruff said, “Sometimes we sacrifice ourselves for the greater good.
“We’re all human,” she added. “Sometimes that breaks down. Some have the maturity and wherewithal in themselves to protect themselves and others when they are part of that situation.”
To play a character to its fullness, Ruff said the characters she plays must have a redeeming value.
“I think there has to be something appealing that speaks to your spirit,” she said. “There has to be something that sparks your creative juices. When I met her [Lillian] on that page, that absolutely happened. I adore her courage. We all experience difficult circumstances but don’t always dare to do something about it.”
Without revealing an integral part of the story, Lillian makes an emotionally difficult decision. Ruff said everything she needed to bring Lillian to life was already on the page.
“I didn’t have to do a deep dive into research on Lillian,” Ruff said. “There are scripts written so wonderfully that all you have to do is read it, say the words and let the marinating continue. I didn’t have to do much research. I recognized everybody on the stage. I know those rhythms.
“I’ve been in and out of that kitchen all my life. All I had to do was show up and say these words and then bond with these ladies.”
Ruff said she wanted to play the role of Lillian after seeing a production of the play in New York, where she still lives.
“To be honest, I adore the script,” she said. “The opportunity came up to play her. I jumped at it. I’ve also known the playwright since she was 11. I always wanted to work on a piece of hers. I’m inspired by it.”
Ruff, who has been in Los Angeles for six weeks as she prepared for her role, is enamored by the theater.
“There is nothing like it,” said the Brooklyn native. “There is something about it. I’ve been blessed. I’ve carved out a career. It’s an entire experience. You have a relationship with the audience.
“I love it because we all take the ride together. We are feeding off of each other’s energy. You can come back and do it again. You can improve each night. You can’t do that in a film or on TV.”
Ruff, whose Broadway credits include “Skin of Our Teeth,” “All The Way,” “Romeo & Juliet” and “Fences,” has always been involved in the arts while living in Buffalo.
“We have a rich cultural community,” she said. “Initially, I thought I would be a dancer. It evolved into acting. I’m inspired by film, theater and TV.
“When I was young, my mother went to see one of our neighbors in ‘Zooman and the Sign’ (by Charles Fuller) at the Paul Robeson Theater. They had an acting workshop listed on the program. I called the workshop and I got in. My first stage play was ‘A Star Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hole in Heaven’ by Judi Ann Mason. And, like they say, the rest is history.”
“Stew” is directed by Jade King Carroll. In addition to Carroll, the creative team includes scenic designer Mike Billings, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designers Tom and Donna Ruzika, sound designer Lindsay Jones, prop designer Aaron Lyons and production stage manager Pat Loeb with casting by Michael Donovan and Richard Ferris.
“Stew” was conceived by Zora Howard and marked her debut as a playwright. The production premiered off-Broadway at Walkerspace in January 2020.
“Stew” is being performed at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd, at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday through March 24. Tickets range from $35 to $55. Information: www.ebonyrep.org or 323-964-9766.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
