HFCC's "Ruined" is a Striking, Poignant Drama

Quite often in popular opinion, theater is regulated to mere “entertainment." But it also has the potential to educate the public on issues that have gone largely unnoticed. Henry Ford Community College Fine Arts and Fitness Division presents Lynn Nottage’s drama Ruined, now through April 21.

Set in a rural village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the most volatile places on earth, Ruined focuses on the plight of its women. Due to an ongoing civil war, the female population has become a target of male brutality and sexual aggression. Their sole “protector” comes in the form of Mama Nadi (Candace Latham), a bar and brothel owner who resorts to whatever means she can to survive.

She agrees to take in two more girls, Sophie (Brittany Lowery) and Salima (India Jackson) at the behest of her longtime friend, Christian (London Johnson). Sophie’s abuse has been so extreme that her body is now beyond repair; she calls herself “ruined." The fact that these women find their only recourse to be in a brothel further underscores the tragic conditions of this culture. Yet there are still glimpses of hope in the midst of despair.

To choose a play with such heavy themes would seem a formidable task for a junior college, but director Christopher Bremer and his cast have succeeded admirably.

While the show’s pacing is noticeably brisk, it avoids shortchanging character development. As Mama, Latham is mostly formidable and sometimes tender, qualities she conveys well through body language, but not always through subtext. Johnson’s sincere and easy manner easily captures Christian’s integrity and optimism. Combined, the actors provide a unique dynamic.

Jackson and Lowery both show promise as young performers, though Lowery’s physicality could more strongly reflect Sophie’s pain. As Josephine, another of Mama’s girls, Celica Thomas couches her sorrow in displays of bitter anger. And Richard Summersett, Jr. is appropriately unnerving as the erratic military commander Osembenga. 

The vivid scenic design by technical director Gerard Dzuiblinski, Judith Fletcher’s detailed costumes, lighting by Scott Ross, and projected imagery by students Samantha York and Timothy Pollack serve collectively to enhance the story. A live, onstage rain effect is likely to impress as well.

Audience discretion is advised due to language and scenes of violence. Ruined runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The cost is $15 and $12 for students, faculty, and seniors. Advance reservations are encouraged. Adray Auditorium is located in the Mackenzie Fine Arts Center, 5101 Evergreen Road. For tickets call 313-845-9817 or email gadzuiblinski@hfcc.edu.