Jan. 13--This two-person sketch show at the Annoyance starring Sarah Dell'Amico and Rashida "Sheedz" Olayiwola needs work -- a lot of work -- but it has one thing going for it that suggests real potential.
Dell'Amico is white (and the more expressively theatrical of the two, sometimes to her detriment), Olayiwola is black (with a low-key approach that can be deceptively effective) and together they dive headlong into scenarios that explicitly deal with race and the foolish cultural prejudices we use to divide ourselves from one another, the latter of which being a pretty good place to start your satirical engines. The problem is, not enough here is actually funny, but as performers they're not afraid to really dig into a serious emotional moment or two when warranted. That's a good start.
Right now what the pair need (aside from a more attention to their comedic timing; Lisa Beasley is the director) is to up their writing game in a big way. The mere fact of tackling racial bias and cultural nincompoopery isn't enough. There is a lot to subvert when it comes to zinging American idiocy, and it would be good to see both Dell'Amico and Olayiwola experiment with a stronger approach.
Review: 'For Real, America?'
1.5 STARS
Through Feb. 9 at the Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave.; $12 at 773-697-9693 or www.theannoyance.com
