Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Based on the true events in 1932 the story takes place in US and Soviet Union during the great depression, when four African Americans from Harlem are cast through the Major Motion Picture in US for a new propaganda film ‘Black and White’, written by Langston Hughes, produced in US, shot in the Soviet Union and fully financed by the Communist Party and Joseph Stalin. The intersectionality of race, nationality, class and politics are shown through the fascinating tapestry of events that are unknown bits of history such as being Black in communism is like being Black twice. The tension between the factory owners and the Black workers resulted in going to the USSR to film a movie, without reading a script.
Upon arriving, they are treated with an amazing respect that they didn’t get at home in the US However, when they discover the country’s hidden, devastating secret, they must decide if the greater freedom in the Soviet Union is worth the complicity of what’s being asked of them by the Communist regime. If they don’t agree with the task, they are forced to escape to save their lives.
Under the creative eye of director Bernadette Speakes, the true elements of the great play are woven into portraying the events, where the story is told by nine actors who flawlessly play off each other and show their talents throughout the production. With strongly developed characters, telling their parts through their monologues, scenes and fantastic dancing accompanied by beauty and sexuality, the fabulous ensemble is wonderful to watch. The portrayal of the characters includes Christopher Cassarino as David, Dennis Gersten portrays Hugh Cooper, Micah Johnson is James Ford and Ralph Bunche, Luis Kelly-Duarte plays Shifty, Dylan Jones portrays Velma, Rama Orleans-Lindsay is Lenore, Claudio Parrone Jr. portrays Misha, Fana Minea Tesfagiorgis plays Selena (understudy is Rune Val Blaine), and Ahkei Togun is Will.
Among many recognizable, enchanting music choices, including Cole Porter’s favorite hits. Costumes are delightful and original to the period. The choreography is exciting, and the scenic design and lighting are suitable for the story. I enjoyed very much the cleverly put together, movable scenic design pieces changing so often that the colored marking tapes on the floor cover much of the stage. Hitting those marks is a craft on its own.
L.A.’s oldest non-profit professional theater company, Company of Angels, dedicated itself to giving voice to stories; new, untold and existing premiered a play Red Harlem, written by playwright Kimba Henderson. When being forced by the madness of COVID, and by being intrigued by this unknown important tale from our past, she used that time of imprisonment to generate a new play. “Crazy doesn’t shut me down. Crazy makes me curious”. As she has a degree in history, she researched the facts for eight years and wrote a fascinating play worth seeing.
The producer Armando Molina who serves also as the Artistic Director of Company of Angels with Natasha Norwood (Producer), and Lui Sanchez (Associate Artistic Director & Producer) are dedicated to creating theater that is deeply connected to its community. With a collective of Actors, Directors, Playwrights, Designers, and Administrators, the company forges ongoing and meaningful relationships with the residents of Los Angeles.
Red Harlem opened on Saturday, February 14 at the Company of Angels, located at the Legacy L.A. Campus in Boyle Heights,1350 San Pablo Street Los Angeles, CA 90033. The show runs through March 15; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Free ample parking is available.
Tickets range from $10-$30. A special Blackout Night performance with $20 tickets takes place on Saturday, February 21 to support Black theater and includes beverage and a snack.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (323)270-6325 or go to https://www.companyofangels.org