Yoruba Cosmology Behind the Story
Who are the Yoruba and what is their modern influence?
Yoruba is an ethnic group composed of over 40 million people who reside in present day Benin, Togo and Southwestern Nigeria. They share a common language and culture.
Due to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, many Yoruba people were forced to come to North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean between the 16th and 19th centuries. This forced migration of Yoruba people has led to a blending of multipole religions and cultures representing a fusion of African, indigenous, and European traditions such as: voodoo (practiced in Haiti) and Santeria (practiced throughout Latin America). Today, a number of African Americans in the United States practice iterations of Yoruba spiritual practices and Yoruba imagery has appeared in popular culture such as: Beyoncé's "hold Up" music video, author Tomi Adeyemi's young adult fantasy series Legacy of Orisha, and rapper Princess Nokia's Santeria-inspired music.
Yoruba culture and The Brothers Size
Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney has noted that The Brothers Size draws on elements, icons and stories from the Yoruba cosmology, most notably through the names and traits of characters. The names of each character, Ogun, Oshoosi, and Elegba, are drawn from Yoruba gods and deities. Ogun is the god of iron and in the play the character Ogun Size is an auto mechanic. The deity Oshoosi, who is tied to hunting, has an innate connection to survival. In The Brothers Size, we learn what survival means for Oshoosi Size as he lives as a formerly incarcerated person on parole. In Yoruba, Elegba is associated with deception and crossroads. The character of Elegba in The Brothers Size appears beside Oshoosi both literally and in his dreams, and drives the action at the heart of the play.
The power of storytelling
There are parallels between The Brothers Size and the importance of "griots" and oral storytelling in Yoruba culture. Griots are people whose role in society is to remember the histories of their people and be able to relay the history verbally. These historians also use music to preserve the past, a technique that is also used in the play. Oshoosi is described as having a sweet and powerful voice. The character Oshoosi sings songs by prominent black icons like Prince and Otis Redding, giving a nod to popular songs that help define modern-day African American culture and experience.
More about The Brothers Size:
A Synopsis of The Brothers Size
A brief scene by scene description of the play, with gratitude to The Steppenwolf Theatre Company for use of their material.
Ogun’s Brother is Missing: The Impact of Mass Incarceration
Mass incarceration affects millions of Americans and their families, and it's no secret that the majority of those incarcerated are Black and Brown and serve longer and harsher sentences than their white counterparts. This is particularly true in Louisiana, where The Brothers Size is set. Playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney cites his own experience of having a brother who had experienced incarceration and the impact it had on their family.
The Brothers Size Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of The Brothers Size.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Pre-show Panel Discussion with Black Men's Wellness
Join us for a pre-show panel discussion as part of BIPOC Affinity Night for The Brothers Size, featuring Black Men’s Wellness.
Adult Class: Before & After - The Brothers Size
Join Literary Manager and Dramaturg Kamilah Bush for an opportunity to explore the work of playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney and his relationship to the southern aesthetic, masculinity and African cosmology, and how these elements come alive in PCS production of The Brothers Size.
May First Thursday featuring Tahirah Memory
Join us for May First Thursday featuring live music by Portland-based soul singer and songwriter Tahirah Memory, playing a mix of original songs and covers in a fun combo of jazz and R&B styles.
Foundations of Improvisation: Sunday Afternoon Series
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
Acting for Adults Level III: Actors' Toolbox
Explore Anne Bogart’s viewpoints, Meisner’s technique of repetition, Adler’s emotional recall, Laban’s eight efforts, Lecoq’s seven levels of tension, Michael Chekhov’s psychological gestures and learn to apply these to text of your choosing.
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