Crowning Glory: Review

We know it is a bit late and it is no longer in the theater, but after seeing Crowning Glory on one of its final days, we thought it deserved a review for how awesome it was.

Who knew the relationship you have with your hair could evoke such emotion, emotions of anger, pride, and confusion to name a few in this journey of Somalia Seaton’s Crowning Glory. A play that primarily addresses the issues black women face in a society that promotes western ideologies of beauty intertwined with the multiple relationships we have in our lives and community.

Through monologue seven women explore viewpoints referenced as “Halfbreed, Bounty, Token, Panther, Pickyead, Haircomb and Bal-Ead”. I as for one identified with at least three of these, a sentiment which seemed to be echoed by the audience through murmuring when a tale rang true.

The dialogue was often hard hitting and truth be told uncomfortable at times whilst bringing enough humour to lighten the mood which was often welcomed with a chorus of laughter. The highlight for me however was the vulnerability shown by the protagonists, T’Nia Miller (Bal-Ead) for example is a woman who shaves her head as an act of self-love, freedom but is met by silence from her spouse. This moment of insecurity surpasses that of race but instead calls for acknowledgment and confirmation of love as a woman.

Crowning Glory gives a long running yet complex relationship amongst women of colour a platform to openly discuss, address and challenge not only western ideologies but ones in our own communities, so dare I say it we can start the healing process.

We recommend it! If you see that this is the theaters again, do not hesitate and grab a ticket. Somalia Seaton it was an amazing production, one for all the family.

Denise Eke