A story of self-love and acceptance will unravel at tonight’s premiere of “Lightskin/Darkskin” at the Baton Rouge Little Theatre. Written, produced and performed by Joselyn Bioh and Kelly Girod, a University alumna, “Lightskin/Darkskin” follows the lives of two African-American women unaware of their similarities. “‘Lightskin/Darkskin’ is a two-woman show about young African American girls who spent their whole lives thinking they were so different from each other because of their complexion and came to find that their stories were one in the same,” Bioh said. Bioh said the play takes its viewers on a journey from the girls’ childhoods to their adolescence, showing the different experiences they unknowingly shared. “We just wanted to both comically and dramatically tell a story that is so deep-rooted, especially in the South,” Bioh said. “We wanted to bring this subject matter to the light without sounding victimized.” Bioh and Girod realized the relevance of their real-life racial issues from the first moment of their friendship, which sparked the idea to write the play. Girod said the thing she and Bioh love most about the play is it’s universal quality. “This story is for anyone who’s ever felt different, anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider,” Girod said. “It’s about being able to accept who you are no matter what, and I feel like it’s something that everybody can relate to, regardless of color.” Keith Dixon, managing artistic director of Baton Rouge Little Theatre, said when he heard Girod’s idea, he knew it was something that would speak to the community. “The two performers share the experiences from both their point of view and from the other person’s point of view that they are dealing with,” Dixon said. “So it’s a very interesting way to look at events.” Dixon said “Lightskin/Darkskin” is about looking beyond the surface. “It’s a celebration of differences, and it’s also a celebration of what connects us together,” he said. Girod said the play will raise important issues for the University. “It’ll bring out an issue that a lot of people in the South don’t talk about,” Girod said. “Coming from the South, I want to believe that a lot of these things aren’t there, but the truth is that they really are, they’re just not talked about.” Bioh said the play sends out a positive message to young people everywhere. “I don’t think college students realize the significance and the importance of just loving yourself for who you are,” Bioh said. “The differences of people in any cultural group are highly emphasized. It is the responsibility of our generation to listen, learn, go out and spread the word of self-acceptance.” “Lightskin/Darkskin” will show tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at both 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is $7.
—-Contact Cathryn Core at [email protected]