Flagboy

Everyone has a story. I purposefully leave myself in the dark about the details of most solo productions in hopes that the element of surprise compensates for what could be, well, just another story. But what playwright and performer Cornelius "Life" Jones delivers with his autobiographical one man show, Flagboy, is a highly reflective, purposeful and raw oral history that is not simply his story, but that of countless of queer people. Jones reconciles the need or self expression with the external pressures of a life expected.

Flagboy, directed by Joshua Ian, is an eye opening account of a young African-American boy (Jones), enticed by the wonders of his own innocence, who embarks on a personal journey in search of himself. His journey reaches a crossroad when he finds out he is HIV positive.

In the opening scene Diana Ross's "I Want Muscle" rushes through the speakers. Flagboy, then a young boy with naive dreams of being Diana surrounded by all of her men, plays dress-up in his mother's closet. Later chastisement garners the beginnings of shame. I was reminded of a time when I was kid and life was filled with playful idolization, before innocence was lost with the perils of other peoples' expectations.

Jones continues with 60-minutes of brilliantly witty personal stories set by a mixture of period music and pop culture references. His account of the circumstances surrounding his father's homophobia, his mother's acceptance and a first love's betrayal seek and land with instant connections. From his urgent childhood desire for MC Hammer pants to his first boy crush to the first time he sets eyes a on gay club, Jones's colorfully selected flashbacks are reminiscent of oral histories past through gay generations. The fragments are powerfully familiar, yet unique. Flagboy is a testament to the power of triumph over the repercussions of one bad decision. A gentle reminder that life comes with its own plan–one filled with limitless opportunities for us to embrace with flags raised high.

For show dates and more information on Flagboy, written and performed by Cornelius "Life" Jones, visit http://www.corneliusjonesjr.com/FlagBoy.php.