Review: ‘Berta, Berta’ at Echo Theater Company
- Dondre Tuck
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
“Berta, Berta” is a beautifully told story about two former lovers reuniting in Mississippi in the 1920s at a moment when each is at a personal crossroads, both faced with life-altering decisions about the path they’re willing to take. The story is poetically written by Angelica Chéri and brought to life under Andi Chapman’s direction, following the two lovers at a time when life has left them battered.
DeJuan Christopher as Leroy and Kacie Rogers as Berta are the heart of the play. The chemistry between these actors is palpable; it almost feels intrusive to watch them on stage. Their connection is magnetic and rooted in truth. They listen, react, and stay present with each other in a way that elevates every beat of the show.
One moment that stands out is when the two sit in silence for almost five minutes at the beginning of the second scene. The tension is palpable and almost makes one uncomfortable before Leroy finally breaks the silence by asking Berta why she hasn’t sipped her coffee. Even after that, they continued with surface-level small talk, willfully ignoring the elephant in the room that he is wanted for murder. It’s a brilliant use of silence and subtext.
Chapman’s direction deserves real praise. Nothing about the production feels rushed or overworked. Her pacing is tight, her staging organic and her trust in the actors to carry the story pays off in every scene. It’s clear Chapman has fostered a space where the performers could make intentional, grounded choices.
Visually, Amanda Knehans flexes her creative prowess with the set design of Berta's home. Before Leroy and Berta take the stage, the world already feels alive. Knehans’ attention to detail — adding a clothesline, basket of eggs, washboard, the design of the windows along with the furnace — helps solidify the world Leroy and Berta are living in.
Andrew Schmedake’s lighting is also spectacular. His timing, use of color, and ability to highlight the emotional arc of a scene make the play pulse with energy. Wendell Carmichael’s costume design feels perfectly suited to the time and tone. It isn’t flashy, just honest and appropriate for the period piece.
Jeff Gardner’s sound design elevates everything. It has the restraint and precision of a seasoned film composer, knowing exactly when to step in and when to pull back. That minimal, cinematic approach helps blur the distinction between stage and screen, making the experience feel immersive.
Thematically, love, sacrifice, and spirituality are the heartbeat of this production. Spirituality is represented by cicadas, which both Berta and Leroy look to deliver them, guide them and protect them in this current season of their life. Ultimately, Leroy and Bertha both submit to the cicadas, believing that if they don’t hold up their end of the bargain, the cicadas will punish them for their disobedience. This is intertwined with the love and sacrifice dynamic of the relationship between both characters.
Leroy’s choice to serve time on a chain gang is a reflection of how deeply he believes in keeping his word, even when the cost is steep. Berta’s anguish, understanding and resilience add layers to that equation, showing us how differently people can love and still meet at the same painful crossroads.
The audience was completely locked in at a recent performance. This show personally stirred questions in me as good art is supposed to do. I left the theatre asking myself, “What am I willing to give up for the people I love, and what does it mean to be bound by promises, pain and hope?”
“Berta, Berta” is an emotionally charged piece of theatre and in my opinion like the recent movie “Sinners” but for the stage, sharing a similar setting of Mississippi in the early 20th century and a return home. I highly recommend that anyone who appreciates love and storytelling see this production.
“Berta, Berta” continues through Aug. 25 at Echo Theater Company, Atwater Village Theatre,3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, with shows Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 747-350-8066 or visit EchoTheaterCompany.com. Run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Comments