Mandela

 Mandela
East Harlem Repertory Theater
The Actor’s Temple
July 10, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Mandela

Mandela, written by Yolanda Brooks and John Ruiz Miranda, succinctly tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s fearless dedication to freeing the people of South Africa from the oppression of apartheid.  Not only does this play give the clear facts of Mandela’s life and work, but it depicts the emotional degradation the characters endured in their relentless struggle to achieve freedom.  

When peaceful demonstrations are not serving the anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela (played by Robert Greene) has a meeting with his followers, Robert Mbeke (played by Thaddeus Birkett), Joseph Kwezi (played by Jimmy Garrett), Walter Sisulu (played by Lamine Thiam), and Dennis Goldberg (played by Ivan Goris) to plan their next move.  They decide a more violent approach will better serve the cause.  Winnie Mandela (played by Nadjah A.K.) addresses this decision with her husband before he leaves for a demonstration, unaware it is the last time she will hug him.  He is arrested later that night, then sentenced to a term of life in prison for conspiring to overthrow the government.  In the United States, the Black Panther Party is speaking out to help free Mandela.  Many nations of the world rally in his support.  They are finally successful.  After spending over twenty-seven years in prison, he was later elected the first black president of South Africa in 1994.  He died in 2013 at the age of 95. 

The Actor's Temple Theater
339 W. 47th St., NYC
Photo courtesy of The Actor's Temple Theater

Robert Greene has a powerful presence as Nelson Mandela.  He is solid and determined in his portrayal of this heroic figure, showing his charisma, his flaws, and his conviction.  Nadijah A.K.’s portrayal of Winnie Mandela is grounded and genuine.  She skillfully plays this character with deep insight and an expansive emotional range.  Thaddeus Birkett, Jimmy Garrett, Lamine Thiam, and Ivan Goris create distinctive characters and realistic relationships, bringing this story to life with depth and passion. 

The script it seasoned with direct address from the main characters that shine a light into their thoughts, fears, and driving principles.  These are well crafted monologues that are admirably delivered.  The set is simple and stark, yet it is the brilliant use of projections and video that keeps the action connected and the chronological facts clear.  

Mandela is playing on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 at The Actor’s Temple Theater, 339 W. 47^th St. 

Domenick Danza