The Negro Ensemble Company's new play is centered around descendants of American slaves who resist expropriation of their inherited properties. More…
A secret mountain enclave has existed for centuries as an all-Black village. When its oral tradition of secrecy is lapsed by a millennial resident, the remote hamlet is discovered by the state's governor. He aims to evict its elderly residents by eminent domain for nonpayment of taxes, but he underestimates the savvy community there.
See it if you want to enjoy a good story presented by good actors on a subject that is easily relatable today. First time with this admirable company.
Don't see it if having some actors on script will ruin it for you. This is a finely told story but it is not fast-paced in historic theater ambiance.
See it if the contrast between Black folk culture and current trends holds your attention. The three elderly actors are particularly moving to watch.
Don't see it if you require big production values. Simple intimate staging allows older actors to work from scripts while the others preform around them
See it if Just run for a ticket!! It’s a brilliant play about family, history and government beautifully told by a superb cast. Very apropos today!!
Don't see it if If you don’t really appreciate great directing, writing and acting.
See it if Playwright Karma has written a masterful drama/comedy on 3 African-Americans living on a mountains. Get see these 3 great actors on stage
Don't see it if The play felt like a workshop given that Arthur French (age 87) & Edythe Jason & Dorothi Fox had their scripts on stage. But who cares!
Also Arthur French (age 87) & 2 other major female actor (ages are not list... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see stories of Black resilience and learn a very well written slice of African American history
Don't see it if you're looking for a super polished production; you're not interested in diverse stories and a look at intergenerational legacies
Also This felt a bit more like a workshop or a staged reading than a fully ... Read more Read less
See it if you are interested in rarely told stories of African American history
Don't see it if you are bothered by actors using scripts onstage.
See it if you want to see a play with a great deal of potential and some really interesting themes and characters.
Don't see it if You mind actors not knowing their lines, highly stilted and unnatural dialogue, tons exposition particularly in the final act.
Also Ms. Fox, and Mr. French are doing a dramatic reading, they hold the sc... Read more Read less
See it if .. you're interested in an attempt to dramatize reparations for slavery. A community hidden for over 100 years? Is it based on reality?
Don't see it if Poor dramaturgy. Stilted dialog. Stand (or sit)-and-deliver direction. Lead actors on-book. An under-rehearsed, amateurish production.
See it if you want to learn/think about African American resilience, family & home, elders, government interference and see some actor legends.
Don't see it if a relatively simple stage and actors reading of scripts bother you.
See it if If you want a good laugh but that you also want to know about elder Black Americans and the things that they faced being owners of property.
Don't see it if IF you want to see a lavish set or a big time production.This is a small setting where everyone is in close proximity to each other.
Also I really enjoyed the elder's witticisms as they are the only ones left... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy a play about African- Americans and their history and plight.
Don't see it if you're expecting a well rehearsed and acted production!
See it if You want to see a staged reading of a drama dealing with the African American experience and interaction with the government and property.
Don't see it if You are expecting a lavish production, a comedy or musical.
Also I was appalled and disappointed to see 2 of the actors with notebooks ... Read more Read less
See it if You are interested in less well known aspects of African American history, cross-generational family dynamics, the value of elder wisdom
Don't see it if Don’t care for stories about families, aren’t interested in African American history, don’t care about family elders
See it if you're interested in stories about Black community, elders, and the continuing ripples of slavery in policy-making today.
Don't see it if you want a polished product or a fast-moving plot. It's a funny production but the experience is not going to be for everyone.
Also The premise is interesting, the writing and delivery is often unexpect... Read more Read less
See it if You are interested in unusual subject matter and enjoy seeing wonderful older actors work - fascinating take on this post slavery community
Don't see it if If you are not interested in supporting a great institution - NEC and want a completely polished theatre experience
See it if The subject matter is current and interspersed with relevant historical facts. Entertaining and the actors are a delight. Kudos!
Don't see it if It you are not interested in thought provoking, intelligent work that is also comedic and extraordinarily evocative.
Also This story needed to be told!