A Folksy Look at Roles of Women

Somewhere between a play and a tour through the family photo album lies “From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me,” a one-woman show by Clarinda Ross celebrating her Appalachian mountain heritage. Ross’ home-style brand of theater seems comfortably at home in its makeshift performance space at Tula’s Porch eatery/antique store/aroma therapy center.

Appearing as five characters in an unbroken mother-daughter chain to the present day, Ross engagingly varies her delivery, speech and bearing to suit their diverse personalities, and assured guidance from director David T. Thomas tempers the static quality inherent in solo performances.

As each woman narrates her personal history, the emphasis is on anecdote rather than broad historical significance--changing roles and opportunities for women are implicit in their activities, for example, but not the subject of conscious scrutiny. The influence of Ross’ mother and co-author Charlotte, a folklore specialist, is evident in the episodic structure.

Our stories make us who we are, Ross reminds us. In one particularly amusing sequence of self-discovery, she acts out her mother’s disapproval of her own marriage (as it turned out, the misgivings were justified).

Ironically, the piece is least effective when it gets to Clarinda’s own segment--she settles for secondhand stories about people she knew, leaving intriguing facets of her own life unexplored. Her decision to become an actress, for example, or the struggle with her developmentally disabled child she alludes to in closing, would each make more compelling tales.

Still, lengthening the piece in this venue has its risks. The cumulative effect of all the aroma therapy candles in the display cabinet is strong medicine.

* “From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me,” Tula’s Porch, 7458 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3:30 p.m. Ends Dec. 19. $12.50. (213) 938-6167. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes.