We are excited to announce that an amazing donor has been so wowed by this gorgeous show that she's offered a $1,000 matching gift challenge - every dollar donated will be matched up to $1,000!
This is a show we believe in, and we are so excited others are discovering it, too 💖
Donations can be made here.
Tickets can be bought here.
THE OREO COMPLEX
by Lillian Brown
What does an unapologetic performance of blackness look like in a space where you are underrepresented and very often stereotyped? The OREO Complex is a multi-disciplinary solo performance inspired by WEB DuBois’ concept of double consciousness. Through poetry, song and dance The OREO Complex unravels a variety of topics including: representation, stereotypes, assimilation, and microaggressions. It tells the story of OREO Girl, a black woman, navigating predominantly white institutions. For her, it is a voyage to be seen as authentically human, despite obstructions from a community who wants to put her in a box. This thought-provoking performance is a visceral amalgam of everything you don’t want to say about race. An exploration of internalized segregation, a celebration of resilience, and a revolution to be seen and heard!
STARRING
Lillian Brown - OREO Girl
DESIGN
Director: Lillian Brown
Producer: Aubri O’Connor
Production Manager: Ileana Madison
Stage Manager: Aubri O’Connor
Set: Lillian Brown & Aubri O’Connor
Lights: Hailey LaRoe
Sound: Lillian Brown & Mik Bear
Costumes: Lillian Brown
Props: Lillian Brown
Marketing Images: Mik Bear
Advertising: Laolu Fayese
VENUE
Caos on F, 923 F St. NW
Performances run 60 minutes, no intermission
SHOW DATES
Sat May 20, 8pm
Sun May 21, 2pm
Tues May 23, 8pm
Wed May 24, 8pm
Sat May 27, 2pm
Sun May 28, 2pm
Sun May 28, 8pm
Wed May 31, 8pm
Thurs June 1, 8pm
Fri June 2, 8pm
TICKETS
General Admission: $30
Date Night (2 tickets + 2 drinks + 2 snacks): $60
Industry/Student/Teacher/Healthcare Workers: $10
Pay What You Will: $0 - however much you will.
Meet Lillian Brown
Lillian Brown is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada! She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Ripon College. Most of her work involves creating theatrical encounters that conjure a sense of enthusiasm and social responsibility. She received her BA in Theatre from The University of Northern Colorado and MFA in Acting & Devising from The Ohio State University. In addition to being an educator, she is also a solo performing artist, actor, and director. Some of her recent directing credits include: Everybody by Braden Jacobs-Jenkins, The Great American Trailer Park Musical By Betsy Kelso and David Nehls, and The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse. As an actor, some of her favorite regional credits include: Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mayme in Intimate Apparel and a Dynamite in Hairspray!
In 2021, she wrote a solo performance called The Oreo Complex which was rated 5 stars by DC Theatre Arts and awarded the Fringe Meister Award at the St. Louis Fringe Festival. It has been one of her greatest joys to tour it across the country. The Oreo Complex is autobiographical in nature and tells the story of OREO Girl, a black woman, navigating predominantly white institutions. Through poetry, song and dance she unravels a variety of topics including: representation, stereotypes, assimilation and microaggressions.
She is also developing a play called Secret Chat which is set in an interactive chat room where the audience gets to anonymously participate in the performance. Secret Chat provocatively incites conversations about gender roles, relationships, and power dynamics in a world where people rediscover what it means to love.
REVIEWS
The lines come fast and sometimes frantically, but there is a captivating rhythm and mellifluousness from the minute she defines 'oreo.' - DC Theatre Arts
Brown has crafted an emotional masterpiece and every moment is executed expertly…a sobering tour-de-force and one that everyone should see. - MD Theatre Guide
"Don’t miss this opportunity to see such a powerful show in its limited run at Caos on F. " - Broadway World
The Oreo Complex is a compelling portrayal of internalized segregation, and a celebration of Black ancestors. - DC Theatre Arts