Redeemed

 Redeemed
Contemporary American Theater Festival
59E59 Theaters
September 21, 2024 

Photo courtesy of
Contemporary American Theater Festival

Chisa Hutchinson’s play, Redeemed, starts off with a relatively simple and direct premise, then turns into a complex journey of manipulation and power.  Her characters are hyperaware of the other’s ploys, constantly anticipating the next move.  The dialogue is rich, requiring the audience to lean in and listen intently.  Director marcus d. harvey allows the power shifts to be clear, concise, and visceral.  The audience invests in the characters, tracking their efforts and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

Trevor (played by Doug Harris) is serving a prison term for a hate crime.  While in solitary, he is visited by the spirit of his victim.  This leads him on a journey of redemption.  He writes to Claire, the sister of his victim (played by Elizabeth Sun).  To Trevor’s surprise, she visits him.  He tells her of the discussion that took place between him and her deceased brother.  He shares the stories he was told of their family history, revealing facts that only she would know.  This angers Claire, who does not let her guard down.  Trevor then asks Claire, who is a publisher, to read a manuscript he has been working on, chronicling his redemption.  He feels it is his mission to transform the hateful thinking of white supremacy.  Claire sees this as a ploy to get her to influence his upcoming parole board hearing.  She returns for a second visit, after a copy of Trevor’s manuscript is anonymously delivered to her home mailbox.  She is moved by the sincerity of the writing, and drawn to the power of its content.  She offers Trevor a deal, putting herself in total control. 

Doug Harris & Elizabeth Sun
Photo courtesy of Contemporary American Theater Festival

Doug Harris portrays Trevor as vulnerable and empathetic.  Elizabeth Sun plays Clarie as angry and guarded.  Each of these characters have clear and strong objectives that drive the action.  As they shift their tactics, they reveal different aspects of their personalities.  Mr. Harris and Ms. Sun play each shift genuinely, exposing the deeper, more crucial needs of their characters.  They do not stop until they uncover all the information they need to achieve their objectives.  Their performances are captivating.

Playwright Chisa Hutchinson shines a light on white privilege, racial injustice, and the hatred we have become accustomed to in our present climate.  As both characters speak their minds and express their points of view, the audience gets a chance to objectify the emotions and process the conflict.  She does not conclude the play with a definitive outcome, allowing the audience to face their own sense of justice and redemption.  This is a prolific piece, expertly structured, and beautifully delivered. 

Redeemed is playing at 59E59 theaters through October 5. 

Domenick Danza