What better time to show this inciteful play about city politics than after the mid-terms? The Robey Theatre, always with one ear to the beat of its surroundings, provides a highly recognizable, documentary-style presentation that seems copied from the minutes of our own downtown city council.
Playwright Reginald Edmund serves as Robey’s resident dramaturg, as well as being active in developing programs that support Black Voices. What Had Happened Was… is conceived as a documentary about Black City Councilman Marcellus Turner (Julio Hanson) that interrogates those who know him, from his youth, romance, and marriage to Av (Ashlee Olivia), his best supporter and also his “rock.” On the way he gains a city council seat and follows further aspirations that involve sometimes questionable alliances. Ultimately a cautionary tale, Marcellus’ journey shows the pitfalls of power that can compromise even the most fervent public servant.
The immediate action depicts Marcellus’ efforts to save an historic community from being razzed by a nearby university. His honest efforts involve strange bedfellows. And therein lies the brilliance of playwright Edmond’s narrative. He lays bare the problems we now have in a system that rewards cunning at the expanse of sincerity. Along the way, Marcellus compromises to gain the favor of one self-interested player after another. Chief among them is the housing developer, Caleb Cunningham (Darrell Philip), a ‘hail-fellow-well-met” who will stab you in the back for the slightest reason. And one of his sincerest supporters, Kareen Fisher (Enisha Brewster), turns on him after she aspires to her own place in city government.
Ultimately, Marcellus is caught up in a web of self-ingratiating actions that may mean his political demise. We will witness the trial and make up our own minds! Robey’s important production shows the complexity of our political system in the face of multitudinous demands from all sides.
Robey Artistic Director Ben Guillory has conceived the playing space in a manner that supports his documentary style. The narrative unfolds with video augmenting the action on playing spaces, clearly differentiating each significant location, but with room enough for actor Joshua Bruce to conduct interwoven interviews with all the participants. From the quick changes of costumes and furniture, to the graphics and videos, kudos to the Robey’s production staff for making the documentary style work.
What Had Happened Was… continues Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm through November 15th at LATC, 514 S. Spring St. All tickets are $45, with student and Sr. tickets at $30. For more information and ticketing: https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org/upcoming.
