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