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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The African Company Presents Richard III Also see Gil's review of Is There Life After High School?
Set in 1821, the play follows the true story of the African Company of New York, a Black theatre troupe performing Shakespeare's Richard III to enthusiastic audiences both Black and white, much to the dismay of Stephen Price, the white manager of the nearby Park Theatre. Since Price is also about to present Richard III with a talented British actor, he conspires to shut down the African Company production, using legal and police power and charges of civil discord to suppress their success. Brown's play expertly weaves historical fact with theatrical fiction, making it both an engaging drama and an eye-opening history lesson about the struggle for artistic expression and recognition. The play offers a good understanding of the African Company, the first professional Black theatre group in America, as well as some of the business details of Price's theatre company. In doing so, it demonstrates how Price believed Shakespeare's plays should only be accessible to whites and the wealthy and how Brown proved that former slaves can just as successfully portray Shakespearean kings and queens as the actors in Price's company. It also explores many facets of Black life in 19th-century America, including discussions of the daily experience working for white employers and reflections on their past lives as slaves. While some of Brown's dialogue is a tad preachy at times, and the romance between two of the actors in the company seems a bit shoe-horned in, the characters are all clearly defined. Brown also offers an interesting perspective of the Black character's struggles verses the reality of their lives where they are always acting as "the happy obedient servant" to the whites around them in their jobs as domestics, waiters, or hotel staff. Under Chanel Bragg's insightful direction, which effectively highlights both the grandeur and oppression of the time period, the cast fully embodies their characters, bringing depth and nuance to their roles. As Papa Shakespeare, the wise and passionate conscience of the troupe, Ken Love exudes authority and knowledge. Paul Perkins is charismatic, determined, and somewhat egotistical as James Hewlett, the company's lead actor who is fighting for his place on the stage after learning his craft working as the manservant for a white Shakespearean actor. Cynnita Agent is fantastic, evoking power, vulnerability, and passion as Ann Johnson, the bold and spirited actress who is in love with Hewlett and finds acting in the play isn't acting out a story but acting out her own feelings for the man she loves. Roosevelt Watts Jr. projects strength as William Henry Brown, the company's founder who is steadfast in his mission. Shonda Royall is wonderful as Sarah, a young woman who escaped slavery in the South and now works for an old, lonely widow while also making the costumes and playing Queen Elizabeth in the play. Stephen Price is portrayed by CJ Mascarelli as a calculating man desperate to maintain power no matter the cost, and Derek Neumann shines in the supporting role of a policeman Price uses to shut the competition down. Both actors deliver compelling performances, making their characters' struggles and triumphs feel real and immediate. Bragg's staging makes good use of Tiana Torrilhon-Wood's static yet effective set so the production flows seamlessly, balancing the historical weight of the drama with moments of humor and the theatricality of the play within the play. Carol Simmons' costumes are gorgeous, with lovely period details. The African Company Presents Richard III is an intriguing and often gripping drama that focuses on an overlooked moment in history. With its talented cast and direction that makes the powerful storytelling of the play shine, The Black Theatre Troupe's production offers a fascinating glimpse into a fight for artistic freedom that remains relevant today. While there is sadness in the play and in how the Black company was treated, there is also hope. It's a fascinating drama for theatre lovers and history enthusiasts alike and a passionate story about finding your voice and standing up for your own history. The African Company Presents Richard III, presented by The Black Theatre Troupe, runs through February 23, 2025, at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 East Washington Street, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org or call 602-258-8129 Directed by Chanel Bragg Cast: |
