In this world premiere of a new play by Los Angeles-based playwright Inda Craig-Galván, Black Super Hero Magic Mama finds a mother (Kimberly Hébert Gregory) imagining herself as a superhero in the comic book world of her son (Cedric Joe). And why not? He’s obsessed with comic books and what better way to see herself than as Maasai Angel tackling all the problems facing them. Black Super Hero Magic Mama is currently playing at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse through April 14th.
In the program for Black Super Hero Magic Mama, playwright Craig-Galván talks about witnessing an argument in a parking lot and saying to her daughter that if she had been a superhero she would have gone over there and kicked some ass. That was the inspiration for this play that ultimately deals with pressure Black women feel whenever they are forced to respond to the deaths of their children. Instead of grieving, they are expected to lead protests and speak openly about the tragic circumstances surrounding their child’s death.
Lest it seem that Black Super Hero Magic Mama is merely socio-political commentary, keep in mind that Craig-Galván was equally inspired by stories such as Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz.
Robert O’Hara, who directed the stunning production of Barbecue at the Geffen Playhouse, helms this play. Also in the cast are Noah Abbott, Reiko Aylesworth, Walter Belenky, Daryl C. Brown, Kevin Douglas and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams.