Marcia Johnson’s Play Challenges Colonial Narratives in ‘Serving Elizabeth’

The new play ‘Serving Elizabeth’, written by Marcia Johnson, opened at the Prairie Theatre Exchange’s Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage on November 22, 2023, presenting a nuanced examination of race, representation, and historical narratives. The two-act drama intertwines the lives of a Kenyan restaurateur and Princess Elizabeth, exploring the complexities of colonialism and cultural identity.

Set in 1952, the story introduces Mercy, portrayed by Bola Aiyeola, and her daughter Faith, played by Reena Jolly. They are preparing for a royal visit from Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. The playful yet pointed exchange between Lester Talbot, the royal envoy, and Mercy sets the tone for the drama. When Talbot casually mentions the “Royal Lodge,” Mercy retorts, “It’s Sagana Lodge,” emphasizing the disconnect between the colonial powers and the local populace.

The narrative deftly shifts between 1952 and modern-day London, where Faith’s daughter, Tia, a Canadian intern of Kenyan descent, challenges the cultural biases of a British television series reminiscent of the Netflix show chronicling Queen Elizabeth’s life. The play critiques the portrayal of Black characters, who are often relegated to minor roles, a sentiment echoed by Johnson based on her own observations of the original series.

Cherissa Richards, the director, skillfully navigates these temporal shifts, using black-and-white archival footage to enhance the storytelling. The production’s set design by Rachel Forbes effectively transitions between the mid-century restaurant and contemporary office space, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

Throughout the play, the themes of agency and representation resonate strongly. Mercy grapples with her cultural identity as she prepares to serve the royal visitors, questioning why her people must cater to the needs of the English. Her daughter Faith, more pragmatic, signs a lucrative contract that allows them to gain access and necessary resources, including a private nurse for Mercy’s ailing husband.

The play not only addresses serious issues of colonialism but also injects moments of levity. The comedic interactions, particularly during Talbot’s lessons on proper etiquette, provide a contrast to the weighty subject matter. However, some comedic elements, such as exaggerated character reactions, may detract from the overall impact of the narrative.

Aiyeola and Jolly deliver compelling performances, while Ava Darrach-Gagnon captures the essence of Princess Elizabeth, portraying her as a figure of empathy in a complex historical framework. The climactic moment when Mercy stands her ground against the princess, refusing to curtsy and instead offering her hand, draws applause from the audience, symbolizing a defiance against colonial subservience.

The play also features a notable performance by Cameron Grant as Montague, a character who grapples with his identity as he serves the British royals while being a Kenyan himself. His interactions with Talbot highlight the internal conflicts faced by individuals caught between two worlds.

With a running time of approximately 130 minutes, ‘Serving Elizabeth’ is a thought-provoking exploration of historical narratives through a contemporary lens. The production runs until November 23, 2023, and promises to challenge audiences to reflect on the complexities of race, identity, and representation in storytelling.

As the dialogue around these themes continues to evolve, Johnson’s play offers a vital contribution, serving not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for discussion about the legacies of colonialism and the importance of diverse voices in shaping historical narratives.