Samira Wiley, known for her role in Orange Is The New Black, delivers a remarkable performance as a seamstress in Lynn Nottage’s play, Intimate Apparel. Inspired by a faded photograph of her great-grandmother, Nottage weaves a tale set in 1905 Manhattan, depicting the life of a lovelorn seamstress named Esther. Wiley portrays Esther, a meek and unmarried woman who pours her passion into creating lacy lingerie for others, dreaming of owning her own beauty parlor one day.
Esther’s character is brought to life through the intricate performances of the cast, including Faith Omole as Esther’s vivacious friend Mayme and Alex Waldmann as the gentle draper, Mr. Marks. The play delves into themes of intimacy, class, and race, as Esther navigates her desires for love while stitching undergarments for wealthy women and her friend Mayme, a black prostitute.
The forbidden romance between Esther and Mr. Marks, an Orthodox Jew engaged to another, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. As they share moments tracing their fingers over sumptuous fabrics, the audience witnesses a palpable connection that transcends societal boundaries. The arrival of Gorgeous George, the man Esther corresponds with from Panama, shatters her dreams, leading to a poignant unraveling of her hopes.
The play, intricately staged by Lynette Linton, explores the nuances of relationships and the yearning for connection in a society defined by its constraints. Wiley’s portrayal of Esther as a delicate yet resilient woman, akin to the lace she works with, captivates the audience, drawing them into Esther’s world of unfulfilled desires and quiet strength.
Intimate Apparel, rooted in historical inspiration, offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a seamstress striving for love and independence in early 20th-century New York. Nottage’s masterful storytelling and the stellar performances by the cast make this production a must-see, showcasing the enduring power of human connection and resilience in the face of adversity.
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