Premiering on campus last week in the Playwrights Theatre, the award-winning play “Intimate Apparel,” by Lynn Nottage, captures an admirable theme of romance, self-identity and revelation.

Directed by Dance and Theatre Department Chair Dr. Melinda Wilson Ramey, this engaging love story successfully makes the audience laugh and gasp, but also enjoy a piece of Manhattan in 1905.

“Intimate Apparel” tells the story of Esther, a shy, young African-American seamstress who pursues the experience of authentic love in a racially prejudiced society. She unexpectedly receives a letter from a man named George Armstrong, a Jewish laborer from the Panama Canal.

Although Esther is illiterate, the women who wear her corsets lend a hand with reading and writing letters to George. They begin a correspondence of flirtation and romance. George’s identity is not revealed until their wedding day, which brings a surprising moment to the audience.

Instead of learning how to love a man, Esther faces the struggle of heartbreak. She comes out of her shell, learns how to love herself and continues to fulfill a lifelong goal of opening a beauty salon.

Playwrights Theatre is a small venue. Its intimate stage allows the audience to closely connect with the actors and the emotions being expressed. The audience made gasping and moaning reactions throughout the show. “Girl get your money,” an audience member commented.

A much talented and radiant cast ensemble portrayed the six characters dynamically. The play’s performance included genuine interactions that displayed excitement, anger and frustration, while also featuring animated emotional monologues and tasteful comedy.

Diverse accents mastered by the characters bolstered the comedic quality of the play. Mrs. Van Buren, played by Briana Burnside, is an upper-class white woman who spoke with a sweet twang, which defined her character. Mr. Marks, played by Cole Winslow, is a fabric salesman who shined with a Romanian Orthodox Jewish speech.

The protagonist performance of Esther, portrayed by Tiffanie Mack, illuminates the show. Mack demonstrates great potential by victoriously characterizing Esther’s innocence, selflessness and passion for finding love.

Using delicate lighting and a vibrant, versatile curtain, the scenes were creatively constructed on the small but efficient stage. Costumes creatively depicted the historical era: Esther’s white puffy blouse, Mr. Marks’ traditional black suit and of course, the intricately designed silk and satin corsets.

The corsets worn in the play aim to symbolize the restrictions placed on women in this era, particularly Esther, who has a voice she is not free to express, said director Dr. Wilson Ramey.

“Intimate Apparel” contains a persuasive message for females especially, despite its historical setting. As a personal viewpoint, it tries to convey that a husband is not a requisite for a woman’s personal happiness.

What: A Sacramento State Dance and Theatre Department production of Intimate Apparel

Length: 2:30, including intermission

Where: Playwrights Theatre, Shasta Hall

When: March 19 and March 20 at 6:30 p.m.; March 21 and March 22 at 8 p.m.; March 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $12 general admission $10 for Sac State students, seniors, SARTA; Children (2-12) $8.

Elizabeth DeCicco can be reached at [email protected]