Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

‘Satellites’ tells heartfelt tale, explores social issues

By Joshua Davidson

After opening last week at the Reilly Theatre, ‘Satellites’ will be running through February 22.

It’s hard to convince people, especially students, to see a play without being forced to do so for a class. However, this play is different. It has something that many people can relate to; plus, it has profanity.

“Satellites,” a dramatic comedy written by playwright Diana Son, is centered on an interracial marriage between a Korean-American woman named Nina and an African American man named Miles who have recently had a baby and are soon to experience the issues that follow.

The acting in “Satellites” was carried by a nice performance by the two leads, Yohance Myles and Jessica Wu.

Myles, who has been in other notable Swine Palace plays such as King Hedley and most recently High School Musical, plays the husband in “Satellites.” Wu, who plays Nina, gives a performance that is, at times, a bit shaky, as her vulgar use of obscenities often comes without warning.

The dialogue of the play seems a bit over the top in attempts to get cheap laughs from the students in attendance. However, the audience can overlook this since the strong plot line is controlled through the questions of identity, racial stereotypes and sexual boundaries that the family encounters.

“Satellites” is an accurate portrayal of a family feeling out of place in the world in many different respects. The setting of Brooklyn works great with the plot of the story and the actual set was very much believable, as it lured the audience into this compelling story.

At first glance, the stage, which was set up like a run down inner-city home, was reminiscent of a college apartment. However, once the story gains momentum, it becomes clear that this is an old “brown brick” home located on Rosa Parks Street in Brooklyn, New York.

Aside from the main characters, there are several supporting players in “Satellites.” The role of Miles’ brother, Eric, is played by Nick Rhoton, and the ever-so humorous Reggie is played by James Edward Lee, who portrays a perfect example of an average street hustler from New York.

These two characters inject a jolt of humor into the play that keeps the enactment funny even when things are being turned upside down in the family’s life.

Diana Son’s vision of the play was put to life by director Michael Tick in this heartfelt rendition at Reilly Theatre.

“Satellites” is easy to follow through its two-hour duration and should be an instant success around campus once people start to hear about it.

Originally Published: February 11, 2009

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