INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Being a man

Who’s Yo Daddy?
Asante Children’s Theatre
Butler University
Through June 25

Who’s Yo Daddy? A Hip Hopera is a must-see at Butler University’s Black Box Theatre in Lilly Hall. The Asante Children’s Theatre is at a new level with this emotionally charged script delivered with high energy.

Everyone talks about teen-age girl pregnancies. Asante Children’s Theatre is particularly, pointedly, passionately talking about teen-age boys making babies, taking responsibility, breaking the cycle, building family and respecting heritage. But this isn’t a pedantic diatribe; this is solid drama and soul-rending music/ dancing, ringing so true you forget you’re in a theater and believe you’re in the setting of each scene from the way it started, to the way it ended. The story unfolds with teens being who they are, part of the crowd, trying hard to be individuals, trying hard to be noticed, loved more, listened to, un-lost.

It’s a coming of age story for grown-ups as much as it is for teens. And it’s hugely entertaining as it takes the dialogue past easy street and onto uncharted precipices. “Hip-hop is the devil’s workshop,” rants the single preacher-father whose daughter has just told him she is pregnant and the “father” is a would-be rapper who is denying patrimony.

The collaborative script by Deborah Asante, who also directed, includes Phillip T. Hughes, Terrance Asante Doyle and Jocque Carey. The company includes ACT Academy members, alumni and prep. They each contribute mightily to the singing, choreography/dancing and dialogue that rings true to life. Hughes, as Bobby the rapper who seduces, denies and eventually embraces manhood, is an actor to watch. Andrew Wiskowski, a 2006 Jordan College of Fine Art graduate, designed the set and lighting “to illustrate the qualities parents pass down to their offspring. Except certain crossings are missing.” When you witness the actors scrambling, it’s by design. This fine production commands attention.

Who’s Yo Daddy? continues through June 25. Tickets are available at the door, 4600 Sunset Ave. Log on to www.asantechildrenstheatre.org or call 317-297-0020.