The KCRep revisited the production of “Broke-ology“ for the first time in 15 years on the Copaken Stage downtown. The restaging honored the playwright Nathan Louis Jackson, who died in 2023.
“Broke-ology,” first performed in 2009, tells the story of a Black Kansas City family in a working-class neighborhood and their love for each other through life’s difficult choices.
‘Broke-ology’ is, at its core, a Black love story–not just romantic love, but the deep, unwavering love of family,” said Teonna Wesley, who played Sonia King. “This play beautifully captures the reality of Black family life: the joy, the struggle, the laughter and the resilience, all wrapped in a story that feels raw, real and deeply moving.”
The story follows the King family which is composed of four people, William, Sonia, Ennis, and Malcolm.
The themes of love and resilience throughout life resonated with the cast. During the rehearsal process they were encouraged to hold space for each other’s emotions and connections to the important topics at hand.
“This is truly the most compassionate cast and crew I’ve ever been a part of,” said Wesley. “With the show being in honor of Nathan, whom many of us had a connection to, seeing it handled with such care has been a rare and beautiful celebration. Watching this story resonate with so many people has deepened my love for storytelling, making it an incredibly fulfilling experience.”
The ideas and conversations put forth by the playwright echoed many experiences of Black families and communities in Kansas City.
Bryan Woodson, an attendee, described the connection he immediately felt with Malcolm, who had to deal with the difficult choice of staying versus leaving his family to search out his own dreams.
“It’s that feeling of feeling stuck and not knowing if you should put yourself first or if it is selfish to do so,” said Woodson, a UMKC alumni of the higher education Masters Program. “I understood exactly what that character was going through.”
The show had a balance of moments that deeply touched the soul and places where the audience couldn’t stop laughing allowing for the feeling of a personal connection to the actors.
“I hope folks walk away feeling seen, inspired and maybe even a little emotional,” said Wesley. “It reminds us that even when life is tough, there’s always room for hope and connection.”
“Broke-ology” runs until March 2.
Students can buy rush tickets an hour before the show for $20.
