“Hi, my name is Ahamefule J. Oluo, spelled exactly how it sounds.” That tongue-in-cheek line begins Mr. Oluo’s richly detailed memoir about his mother Susan and his childhood. Co-written with Lindy West, this piece is a series of stories. In between them, his musical compositions are songs which punctuate the introspection. He tells the stories, conducts the jazzy ensemble of nine and also plays the trumpet.
Mr. Oluo is a warm and funny man, now in his thirties. Various life experiences are shared. His parents met while at college in Kansas. They were married for seven years and had two children. His father was an international student from Nigeria. He abandoned his family when Mr. Oluo was one month old. They never saw each other again.
Parts of this story are sad, personal reflections and the stunning music has a gorgeous sweep of melancholy intricately woven throughout. Joy and exultation, however, also weave their way into the mood. As Mr. Oluo notes, “you can’t snap your fingers and reverse the defining trauma of your life.” With wit, charm and candor, Susan becomes an homage to his mother who never remarried.
The first musical break sets the tone for this show. “Land Called She/Susan 1” is a melancholic jazzy number. The musicians and singers overtly feel this music deeply and I was swept along with them. Instead of becoming a depressing tale, Mr. Oluo’s memoir is a stunning and illustrative celebration of the triumph of perseverance and love. By the end, it’s quite hard not to shed a tear of happiness.
The family was poor and lived in the suburbs of Seattle. The area was violent and drug infested with none of the “pizzazz of the city.” “Scary and boring” is the worst combination to grow up in, he dryly remarks. Humor, both self-deprecating and knowingly astute, pepper this storytelling. As a result, their difficult journey is lightened and entertaining. The vignettes are vividly detailed and often hilarious, such as a description of one Halloween party.
Now a father himself, Mr. Oluo understands that “parenting is guessing.” Susan is a woman who was always “caring so much and guessing so hard.” He taped conversations he had with his mother which are included in this show. She comes to life as we listen. This is a richly realized portrait written by someone who was unconditionally loved as a child.
Not every story is told through the lens of rose colored glasses, however. When Susan begins “dating” her brother’s prison cellmate, there are frequent trips to Clallam Bay Correctional Facility. One particular day looms large in the memory. It’s a gut punch.
Susan was a gifted singer which may be the source of Mr. Oluo’s musicality. His trumpet playing is soulful. As brought to life by all of these musicians, the score is transporting. The two vocal soloists, okanomodé and Tiffany Wilson, contributed the lyrics. The songs are beautifully sung and emotionally resonate with the story. Neither the story nor the songs overwhelm each other. There is a harmonious balance. I found myself always in the moment, absorbing the impressive depths into which these performers lead me.
Mr. Oluo does not shy away from the fact that his own journey took some unfortunate turns along the way. He starts the show by telling us that he has just gotten married. Everyone applauds. He then adds a full disclosure that this was his third marriage. He looks at the audience. “Yeah, much different response!” I was captivated throughout this memoir which sounded and felt wholly authentic, magnificently successful and marvelously touching. The ending was beyond glorious.
Susan is part of the Under the Radar Festival at the Public Theater and is running until January 13, 2020.