Play Review: “Can I Touch It?”

I had the honor and the pleasure to view the opening night performance of “Can I Touch It?” A new play under the Company One production company.

The play, written by a young Cape Verdean woman, is as the playwright stated, “a tribute to the Number 15 bus.” The play is based on the impact of classism, gentrification, and racism on the Nubian (formerly Dudley) Square community.

At the center of the changes in the community is a hair supply store owned by Shay, a single mother and community activist. Her store is threatened by Patron Bank which has bought up many small businesses and has Shay’s business in its sights.

Shay doesn’t want to lose her business, but the bank has raised the interest rate on her mortgage, making it hard for Shay to keep up with the payments. In addition, her teen daughter, Ruth, on the verge of graduating high school, wants to see the world while Shay (and her bank account) want to keep the girl closer to home.

Supporting Shay at her shop is Meeka, Shay’s niece. Meeka is a talented hair stylist and outspoken social critic. When Meeka learns that the shop is in danger, she takes matters into her own hands. This leads to a clash with Shay.

I won’t give away the ending as I want people in Boston (and beyond) to come on down to the Strand Theater and check out the show. While there were some plot holes and staging issues, overall it was a good way to spend a couple of hours.

The play critique’s how women of color move through a world that is always judging them — from their appearance to their voice. There were many instances where Black hair was the focus. I wish the play had delved deeper into that area. Black hair has always been viewed with disdain and it was the running theme throughout the play.

I look forward to future work from this up-and-coming playwright.