Picking at the Bare 'Bones' of a Family's Past

Three actors as arguing, broken members of a family shook me to the core in "Bones."

Staged at a shabby hotel, a mother and her grown twins struggle to remember what they've spent their lives trying to forget. Sex, scotch and Bob Dylan tracks spring from the character's memories, startling me almost as much as it did each character as they remembered their versions of a traumatic childhood.

The topic of discussion quickly turns to one night when the twins were six years old. Rage accompanies tales of incest and molestation from both twins, each blaming the other and their mother for what transpired. The alcohol-addicted mother then blames the already remarried father when her grown children question her about the past.

Three different stories emerge from three broken souls.

The only relief to the pain for both the characters and the audience is an occasional memory of a fun, bike riding-filled afternoon playing outside.

"Bones" is not a lighthearted walk in the park; it is powerful, poignant, and compellingly uncomfortable at times.

Actors Khandi Alexander, Tessa Auberjonois and Tory Kittles' performance was so realistic, their story delivery so touching that it made me cry—heaving, body wracking tears.  I was left with puffy eyes and clapping hands at the end of the night.

While Dael's Orlandersmith's work had no real resolution, it is certain that when the curtain falls, each member will forever feel the horror of their memories—deep within their bones.

There will be only three more performances of "Bones": August 7 at 8 p.m.;  August 8 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

 Visit www.centertheatregroup.org or call 213-628-2772 for tickets.