Slave Play

Slave Play

Golden Theatre

October 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Slave Play

Jeremy O. Harris’ Slave Play makes clear and strong statements on race and identity.  It is a highly psychological look at the effect of trauma on inter-racial relationships, particularly from the point of view of the partner who identifies as black.  Director Robert O’Hara layers in humor to allow the audience to process the volume of information presented during the course of the action.  The cast of eight deliver high level performances, establishing genuine relationships as they reveal intimate inner-conflicts at an amazing pace.

Three couples are engaged in a week-long therapy retreat.  We enter the story on day three, as they are intensely invested in the fantasy portion of the process.  Kanesha (played by Joaquina Kalukango) portrays a house slave who is whipped and degraded by her overseer, Jim (played by Paul Alexander Nolan).  Alana (played by Annie McNamara) dominates her house servant, Philip (played by Sullivan Jones).  Gary (played by Ato Blankson-Wood) takes advantage of his indentured servant, Dustin (played by James Cusati-Moyer).  Their sexual fantasies take them all to the core issue they are struggling with in their relationships.  Some are able to come to acceptance of themselves and their partner.  Others need to dig deeper.

James Cusati-Moyer & Ato Blankson-Wood
Photo courtesy of Slave Play

Each actor develops their character with vigor and sensitivity that produces complex and truthful portrayals.  They lift Jeremy O. Harris’ writing off the page with raw honesty.  The play is packed with psychological theory and social data that is reflected in the relationships between the characters and the secrets they reveal. 

Slave Play is playing at the Golden Theatre.  It is multi-layered with profound insight that requires thoughtful discussion. 

Domenick Danza

The Rolling Stone

The Rolling Stone

Lincoln Center Theater

The Mitzi Newhouse

July 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Playwright Chris Urch has crafted a tour de force in The Rolling Stone, now running at Lincoln Center Theater.  The characters are all truthfully developed.  In the second act he takes the conflict to the highest degree.  The physical and emotional safety of each character is at serious risk.  Director Saheem Ali magnificently builds the audience’s engagement by layering honest and personal moments that endear them to the characters.  You cannot help becoming part of the action, hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst.

The year is 2010 in Kampala, Uganda (Africa).  Joe (played by James Udom) has just been appointed pastor of his church.  He and his brother, Dembe (played by Ato Blankson-Wood), and his sister, Wummie (played by Latoya Edwards), are feeling the loss after their father’s death, so this news brings them great joy.  The newspaper is publishing photos of men accused of being homosexual, causing devastating disruption in the community.  Dembe is aware of the danger his is putting his family in due to his relationship with Sam (played by Robert Gilbert).  When Mama (played by Myra Lucretia Taylor), a close friend and influential member of their congregation, brings them news that Dembe’s name is “on the list,” a decision must be made.  Does Dembe leave the country with Sam?  Does the family flee with disgrace?  Do they stay and risk Dembe’s life and the family’s place in the community?

The Cast of The Rolling Stone
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Ato Blankson-Wood, James Udon, and Latoya Edwards create an authentic caring trio of siblings.  Their closeness is evident in how they challenge one another to be their best, and sacrifice their own desires for the need of the family.  The tables turn on their relationship numerous times in the action of the play.  Each moment brings a myriad of emotion to the surface.  These three actors rise to each of these moments as the action builds beyond expectation.  They are a unit with individual beliefs and flaws that bring about a powerful turn of events that have a potent effect.

Ato Blanson-Wood & Robert Gilbert
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The relationship between the characters created by Robert Gilbert and Ato Blankson-Wood is touching, humorous, and deeply moving.  The audience is on the journey of their emotional discoveries.  Their hearts are shared.  Their intimacy is open and visceral.

Myra Lucretia Taylor plays a loving and giving matron to the congregation.  Her character hides her fears and vengeance beneath her faith.  Ms. Taylor depicts this duality perfectly.  Adenike Thomas beautifully portrays her daughter, Naomi.  As their truths gradually reveal, our understanding and compassion flourish.

The Rolling Stone is a brilliant play.  The Lincoln Center Theater production is superbly directed and performed.  It is playing at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater through August 25.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza