unFRAMED

Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, formerly Kenny Athel George DeCruise — painter, poet, husband, father, son, and undocumented immigrant from Antigua. At the age of 11, Iyaba is plucked from the tropical comfort of his boyhood and taken to life in America where he must navigate his way to manhood without the guidance of a father.

Using canvas, paint, poetry, prose, and song, Iyaba tells us a story of his transformation from “Mommy Me No Wanna Go Merrica” — a prophetic piece that hints at the many trials he will face in a new land — to his powerful political poetry that would lead to his arrest and attempted deportation in post 9/11 America. Throughout the play, Iyaba shares his rage, his determination, and his hope while he paints his self-portrait and successfully struggles to redefine his humanity, rediscover his smile, and truly accept himself for the first time.