 |
| Ben Guillory (l), Vanja Renee, David Bollar - Photos by Jermaine Alexander |
By Joe Straw
Yemaya – Creation, water, motherhood, rivers, lakes, streams, wells, pregnant women, fishermen, shipwreck survivors.
Oya – Orisha of winds, lightning, and violent storms, death and rebirth.
Oshun - Goddess of divinity, femininity, fertility, beauty and love.
 |
| Charyse Monet (l.), Ben Guillory, Ayonna Michelle, Toni-Ann Hampton |
Orishas are spirits send by the Supreme Being. They are sent, because they are needed. Needed because these are troubling times on earth, troubling times for the human race, and in particular for black people. “Black people are murdered in the streets with impunity.”
Yemaya (Tori-Ann Hampton), representing motherhood, cries continuously because of what is going on in the United States of America. Oshun (Charyse Monet), goddess of divinity, and Oya (Ayonna Michele), sword at her side, tries to calm Yemaya with some success. Each, in their own way, know trouble plagues this part of the earth and the only way they can solve the problems is to call upon the creators to see if they can offer solutions.
The creators appear to enter through a portal, long coils of pipe-like structures that run horizontal to a non-earthly plain, one that ventures to and from the neither regions of time and space. But however they appear, the creators come ready to do verbal battle, or speak a truth that is familiar to them but a truth nevertheless. (Earthly accouterments were provided in this setting to those who still take human sustenance in the hereafter.)
And they come, shadowy vibrations, not knowing why they come, but they are happy to engage and offer a resolution if they can overcome the conflict among them, to set that aside, and offer solutions. To be here each has previously shaken their mortal coil, some long since past, but they come not knowing why they come, but still happy if only to please.
James Baldwin (Julio Hanson), Dr. Francess Welsing Cress (Rosie Lee Hooks), Nina Simone (Lashada Jackson), Zora Neale Hurston (Vanja Renee), Tupac Shakur (Kyle Sparks), Maya Angelou (Kimberly Bailey), Ida B. Wells (Quonta Beasley), Richard Pryor (Philip Bell), Malcolm X (David Bollar), Bob Marley (Alex W.S.T. Chumley), Lorraine Hansberry (Tiffany Coty), and Dr. Martin Luther King (Carret Davis) are called together to find answers.
The Robey Theatre Company in association with the Los Angeles Theatre Center present A Heated Discussion written by Levy Lee Simon and directed by Ben Guillory through May 15, 2022.
One is not sure how to start, how one is to overcome the humanity in the room, all at once, relating, seeking solutions to unspeakable problems. One thing is certain and that is the feeling of elation, when listening to the dialogue of this strongly driven character play. Levy Lee Simon has written an astounding piece of theatre, bringing together characters from different periods relating to each other, seeking answers from within to address the common good. It is exquisitely written and a breathtaking dramatic work that moves to find a solution to racial inequities and inequality.
Based on an ideal by Ben Guillory, Guillory superbly directs a truly remarkable cast of characters. He expertly guides the characters to a mysterious plain of existence. And each character is at the pinnacle of their being. They are reasonable, articulate, and physical enough to be vocal to express their point of view in the discussion in a controlled setting. It is magnificent work created in part over the course of the two year pandemic layoff.
That said, there are several standout performances in this presentation.
Vanja Renee was remarkable as Zora Neale Hurston, vibrant and bubbly. Her dark dress had white dots invoking champagne bubbles. And, the way she projected, in a manner of vibrant bubbles, seemed to be a conscience choice, suggesting that this was the manner in which Zora actually spoke. This personality trait made for an incredible character choice and moved her along splendidly in the role.
 |
| Julio Hanson (l.), Tiffany Coty, Rosie Lee Hooks |
Julio Hanson performance of James Baldwin was just shy of perfection. He spoke with benevolent volubility and mannerisms that equally captured Baldwin’s desire to set humanities conflict right. His performance is sublime and moves with a grace that James Baldwin always invoked.
A statuesque David Bollar plays Malcolm X with a smooth voice and a commanding presence. Bollar captures that truth in Malcolm, angry, and somewhat defiant, but measured in his words when creating his truth.
Tiffany Coty is perfect as Lorraine Hansberry a woman who carries a sincere and articulated truth in trying to find a solution. She is a woman who hasn’t forgotten her past, which gets her into a little trouble in the hereafter.
Philip Bell is extremely funny as Richard Pryor, coming back to a terrifying unpredictable situation. Bell brings all the mannerism to the character; the wisecracking stretched left side of his mouth, the blinking eyes, and the left arm that doesn’t bend behind his back when telling a story.
Kyle Sparks also presents some fantastic work as Tupac Shakur. His role is carefully crafted, the voice, the cackle in his laugh, the refulgent smile, his looks, and mannerisms complete the character. It is a remarkable work of art.
Lashada Jackson has a nice song as Nina Simone. She hasn’t captured Nina’s voice but manages to be uplifting to those around her.
A reporter asked Martin Luther King Jr., why he was the face of the Civil Rights Moment and he said he didn’t know why. It was possible only because he was there at key fastidious time and moments. Garret Davis projects another image of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. one that is low key, and subtle. But, King had a projected voice like Barry White and offered a peaceful movement, one which carried him with a solid backing of a religious truth. Also, it did not appear that the other characters gave King the reverence he deserved, that his peaceful message carried any kind of weight when it should have carried a groundswell of support. King presents a lyrical and yet an opposing voice to the proceeding.
Rosie Lee Hooks does well as Dr. Frances Welsing Cress, oftentimes raising the hackles of others around her with her off beat comments and lurid point of view.
Kimberly Bailey does well as Maya Angelou, somber and intelligence played an important part in her character.
Quonta Beasley, as Ida B. Wells, presents horrific stories from history. Especially horrific is the story of Mary Turner’s lynching in southern Georgia. It is a story to motivate the others around her for more change and finding a solution. Nicely done.
Alex W.S.T. Chumley plays Bob Marley rousing the people around him to get up and stand up for your rights. This should have subtly moved others but may not have had the desired effect of uniting this group who couldn’t agree about anything. Chumley’s rigorous simplicity gives us a hint of Bob Marley with an infectious wry delivery.
Charyse Monet presents a strong visual as Oshun decked out in a wonderful costume. There may be a little more to add in her presentation of peace. Ayonna Michele is Oya and Tori Ann Hampton is Yemaya. All three Orishas are set behind a curtain and at times totally obscure from members of the audience. That brevity of obscurity on the upper deck loses a little momentum in the projection of their purpose.
Ben Guillory plays a spirit, a less benevolent one, dressed in military garb and ready to fight the world. He seems to be the ultimate decider but one that the others defer to rather than be offended by his rhetoric.
But, is there a satisfactory resolution? And, since they are called into the room, shouldn’t it be up artists to come up with a solution? Without giving too much away, shouldn’t the pen take precedent over the sword? If the heated discussion works to find an answer, why is it taken away by one being?
Costume Designer, Naila A. Sanders, and Assistant Costume Designer Natalya Shahinyan have created a stunning work of art.
Other members of the delightful crew are as follows:
Ben Guillory – Producer
JC Cadena – Associate Producer
Jermain Alexander – Video Production/Associate Producer
Jason Mimms – Graphic Designer
Crystal Nix – Production Stage Manager
Christina Childress – Assistant Sage Manager
Cydney Wayne Davis – Music Director/Composer
James Manning – Music Production/Engineer/Musican
Dave Iwataki – Sound Designer
Benedict Conran – Lighting Designer
Evan A. Bartoletti – Set Designer
James Museitif – Scenic Crew
Joe Seely – Scenic Crew
Lisa Lechuga – Associate Designer
Jan Bouldin Blunt - Choreographer
Run! Run! Run! And take a sociologist with you. It will make all the difference.
Also, on this night I sat next to Danny Glover co-founder of The Robey Theatre Company and who was also recently presented with the Academy Award’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. What a delightful surprise!
Reservations: 213-489-7402
Online Ticketing: http://therobeytheatrecompany.org
No comments:
Post a Comment