The Oreo Complex
Written and Performed by Lillian Brown
The Ohio State University Photo Credit: Tom Dugdale
Nusass Productions Photo Credit: Aubri O'Connor
Nusass Productions Photo Credit: Aubri O'Connor
The Ohio State University Photo Credit: Tom Dugdale
Director: Lillian Brown
Choreography: Tony White & Lillian Brown
Producer: Aubri O’Connor
Production Manager: Ileana Madison
Stage Manager: Aubri O’Connor
Set: Lillian Brown & Aubri O’Connor
Lights: Hailey LaRoe
Sound: Lillian Brown & Mik Bear
Costumes: Lillian Brown
Props: Lillian Brown
Tapestry: Kathryn & Michael Goetz
Marketing Images: Mik Bear
Advertising: Laolu Fayese
Cast: Lillian Brown
The OREO Complex is autobiographical solo show about a young black woman who tries to stay true to black culture while simultaneously conforming to white cultural norms. She begins to feel conflicted when trusted members of her community call her an ‘Oreo’. (A black person who acts white) In order to prove herself as being authentically black she navigates a series of social hurdles with the tact of a clumsy Olympian.
Through poetry, song and dance, this show unravels a variety of topics including the representation and stereotyping of the black community and expectations for minorities to assimilate into white culture. It is also an exploration of internalized segregation, a celebration of resilience, and a revolution to be seen and heard as authentically human!
An Excerpt from the Show
This recording is a 5 minute expert from The Oreo Complex. It contains the final moments of the show: a tribute to the ancestors. This segment was shot by KenK Media at Caos on F in Washington DC. At this time, The Oreo Complex ran for 10 performances with Nu Sass theatre company where it received a Helen Hayes Award Recommendation. Enjoy the show!
Reviews
"Brown has crafted an emotional masterpiece & every moment is executed expertly ... a sobering tour de force and one that everyone should see." -Fosse Thorton, MD Theatre Guide
"Don't miss this opportunity to see such a powerful show!" -Hannah R. Wing, Broadway World
-Sophia Howes, DC Theatre Arts
" I was blown away! This performance is amazing... She has a core conviction & the artistry to communicate it that is absolutely stunning." -John Stoltenberg Exec Editor DC Theatre Arts
"Run don't walk to see The Oreo Complex. I have never felt so seen and exposed. It is like she crawled into my head to expose my most vulnerable thoughts." -Audience Member
"There is a captivating rhythm & mellifluousness from the minute she defines 'Oreo'. " -Jacob Cansler, DC Theatre Arts
" Brown never loses her grace, compassion or desire to connect as she leads the audience on a deeply provocative journey." -Tina Farmer, Riverfront Times
Production History
.Zack Theatre
3224 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Aug 15th 2023 @7:30 PM
Aug 16th 2023 @7:30 PM
The Heist
114 Watson St, Ripon, WI 54971
July 8th 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Representation Stage
(Formerly Known as Washington Sports Club Georgetown DC)
3270 M St NW
Washington DC 20007
July 15th 2022 @ 5:45 PM
July 16th 2022 @ 7:00 PM
July 17th 2022 @ 8:00 PM
High Low
3301 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO
63103
August 18th 2022 @ 9:00 PM
August 19th 2022 @ 7:00 PM
August 20th 2022@ 12:00 PM
Caos on F
923 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sat May 20, 2023 @ 8 PM
Sun May 21,2023 @ 2 PM
Tues May 23,2023 @ 8 PM
Wed May 24,2023 @ 8 PM
Sat May 27,2023 @ 8 PM
Sun May 28,2023 @ 2 PM
Sun May 28,2023 @ 8 PM
Wed May 31,2023 @8 PM
Thurs June 1, 2023 @ 8 PM
Fri June 2, 2023 @ 8 PM