Shay Youngblood Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery

Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery tells the story of a young black girl's coming of age in the South during the 1960s. The main character, Daughter, is a 25-year-old narrator who was raised by a variety of women in her community, both blood relatives and others. Her mother passed away when she was very young, so these diverse, non-traditional older black women became her guiding forces as she embarked on her journey to womanhood at the age of 12.

The play begins with an adult Daughter reflecting on her 12th summer in the now empty house of her childhood. She reminisces about how the Big Mamas in her life prepared her for womanhood. As she recalls her memories, the women enter the stage to share their own stories, transporting Daughter back to her childhood and allowing her to relive the vivid experiences of growing up. These memories include the rituals, faith healings, stories, and life lessons about survival, healing, deep faith, and mystery that she was taught.

The Washington Post describes Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery as a vivid portrayal of a close-knit community of African American women. The play is described as heartfelt and reminiscent, yet it approaches its narrative in unexpected and emotionally satisfying ways. The use of evocative language by Youngblood is highlighted, blending poetic elements with everyday language to create a powerful narrative full of exclamations, descriptions, oaths, and jive. The scenes are said to be a mix of humor, melancholy, and seriousness, each bursting with detail, eccentricity, and truth.

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