Sibling Rivalry and MMA Collide in New Dallas Theater Center Production

Monsters are not exclusive to the Halloween season. The Dallas Theater Center’s regional debut of ‘The Monsters’ by Ngozi Anyanwu melds elements of mixed martial arts (MMA) with intricate family themes. This dramatic showcase is currently on stage at the Wyly Studio Theatre in the Dallas Arts District and will continue through November 1.

In the story, Lil, a passionate young fighter, looks up to her older brother Big, a local MMA star. After a prolonged period of estrangement, Lil seeks Big’s guidance in training, prompting their journey through unresolved familial issues as they strive to reconnect.

Jaime Castañeda, the Enloe/Rose Artistic Director at the Dallas Theater Center, shared, ‘After reading the script, I felt a deep connection to the themes of family. Rather than focusing on romantic love, this play highlights the significance of familial bonds.’

The production uniquely integrates MMA choreography into its storyline. The cast includes Akron Watson, notable for his role as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in ‘Ragtime,’ portraying Big, and Tiana Kaye Blair, a member of the Dallas Theater Center Brierley Resident Acting Company, in the role of Lil.

Blair’s performance as Lil and Watson’s role as Big promise to resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls. The playwright discusses her own ties to MMA, the challenges of directing her work, and the potent dynamics of sibling relationships.

Anyanwu describes the title of ‘The Monsters’ as a wordplay that invites the audience to contemplate perceptions versus reality, while her incorporation of MMA serves as a tribute to her brother, a retired MMA competitor. She articulates, ‘The perception of MMA’s brutality contrasts with the genuine humanity of its participants, showcasing an essential theatrical quality.’