February is not only the Hallmark-proclaimed month of love, but also a time to celebrate black history. The Seattle Repertory’s Leo K Theatre honors this occasion with its production of Blue Door, a light comedy with an element of black history storytelling.

Written by Tania Barfield, Blue Door explores a black man’s struggle to accept his cultural identity in a predominantly white society. Lewis, a professor of mathematics, struggles to gain respect in the world of academia. Now on the verge of divorce and pained by insomnia, he battles the ghosts of his ancestors and tries desperately not to hear their stories.

The play is a string of monologues performed by two actors. Reg E. Cathey, playing the part of Lewis, brings a humor to the piece that keeps the audience laughing without detracting from themes of racism, black power and slavery. Hubert Point-Du Jour plays multiple personas representing Lewis’ ancestors and brings a very personal and emotional aspect to a family history spanning four generations. Although there are only two actors and action is limited, the words are enticing and the actors manage to draw the audience in with a combination of humor and powerful emotion.

Directed by Leigh Silverman, Blue Door is a simple, clean production that is definitely worth seeing, especially for those interested in interracial and intercultural relationships. The set is simple and makes extensive use of lighting to establish time, place and sometimes emotion without being extravagant.

A few African folk songs are interspersed throughout the play, adding some cultural flavor, while the manner of conveying the scenes celebrates a long-standing tradition of story telling. It often feels like a personal conversation with a friend; at other times the audience seems to be at a dinner party listening to stories about “tree anxiety.” Yet there is also a feeling of being in a different historical time and place, where watching something so personal almost feels wrong.

This production of Blue Door nicely intertwines past and present, while celebrating black identity. At times a monologue will drone on, but the overall production gives the audience plenty to think and talk about. This is a very entertaining and moving story that is a show worth watching. Blue Door will be playing through March 4 at the Leo K Theater located in the Seattle Center.

— Ioana Albu