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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Neat

Apr 15–25, 2021
131 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

An autobiographical one-woman show, Neat is titled for the protagonist and playwright’s aunt, who as a baby was left brain damaged by an accident. Charlayne Woodard explores her relationship with her aunt, beginning with her early fascination with this childlike adult, and moving to her teenage years of embarrassment and confusion. The play is a coming-of-age story that is also a family history shaped by racism. Neat’s mother was illiterate, and mistakenly fed her daughter camphor oil; discovering the accident, she raced Neat to the nearest ER, where they were denied treatment. Moving and tender, this revival is the latest in MTC’s Curtain Call virtual series, and features original music by Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones. —C.J.F.