About the show
As part of its 50th anniversary season, the Negro Ensemble Company revives these two one-act plays exploring themes of black struggle. These works were originally produced by the company in 1971.
... Read moreThe plays date from a year when the Vietnam War was raging, and Black Power politics were mobilizing disparate counterculture activists. ‘Rosalee Pritchett’ is a devastating indictment of the black bourgeoisie. It centers around the members of an upper-class black wives' bridge club, one of whom is raped by lower-class white National Guard troops. In ‘The Perry's Mission,’ a black male militant challenges various people in a bar about their black identities with violent results.
"Prescient, ingenious, and wonderfully realized...Both plays are exceptionally well directed by Allie Woods. Ms. Woods’ accomplished staging provides expert pacing and renders these works’ dark humor, social commentary and stark conclusions with flair...This exemplary production brings attention to these neglected playwrights, and is a welcome opportunity to experience their unsettling power." Full Review
“A powerful and thought-provoking evening of intelligent, political theater…Though humorous, campy at times, and heart-wrenching, these performances beautifully turn reality on its head and inspire a call to action...‘Rosalee Pritchett’ and ‘The Perry’s Mission’ are especially fascinating to watch back-to-back...These beautifully crafted plays, about the ways people view race, women, and African-American culture as a whole, have messages that stick long after the curtain falls.” Full Review
“I wanted to love ‘Rosalee Pritchett,' the costumes were fabulous, the acting by the entire ensemble was above par, and the writing was thought-provoking. But I kept getting taken out of the moment by technical issues...‘The Perry’s Mission’ has all the elements in place…With a fine-tuned ear for dialogue, a nuanced understanding of the issues driving his characters, solid plotting and the well-timed use of humor to cut the tension, Young has created a crackling piece of theater.” Full Review
See it if If want to watch social justice with hidden images and thought provoking advocacy
Don't see it if You prefer musical. It's not musical
See it if The civil rights movement continues to affect you. Both plays are a painful reminder of how pernicious ignorance and contentment can be.
Don't see it if You are already making America great again.
See it if You are in the mood for thought-provoking social commentary that is just as relevant today as when it was first performed.
Don't see it if You are bothered by slightly wooden performances from a few actors, somewhat cliched dramatic devices (Rosalee Pritchett).
See it if Eye-opener on white's scheming manipulation on black's weakness and a revelation on superficial friendships among the elites.
Don't see it if Can't confront that racial discrimination still persists today and don't want to see a thought provoking social protest on stage
See it if You enjoy wonderfully written and relevant One-Acts!
Don't see it if You don't enjoy thought-provoking and relevant plays.
See it if You are looking for a compelling night of theatre about the Black experience in our country
Don't see it if You're not a fan of political theatre or are easily offended by language
Also Even though these two plays premiered almost 50 years ago they still r... Read more Read less
See it if You like to take a look at the history of the struggle of African Americans and you want to see old theaters.
Don't see it if You want to watch something new, although these discussions about black & white are still relevant today.
See it if subject matter that may seem dated but still is relevant today.
Don't see it if the subject matter is discomforting to you
See it if You like drama with a real edge.
Don't see it if You want subtle commentary.
See it if You want to see what happens in an affluent black neighborhood during the riots of the 70's. You are ready for a play with a twist.
Don't see it if You are easily offended by the "N" and the "B" word. You don't have an open mind.
See it if you like plays that make you think/test you
Don't see it if you are offended by racially charged plays and/or profanity.
See it if Both imparted important messages in their day but neither, especially the first is very good.Not worth reviving except for historical value.
Don't see it if Many of the actors were amateurish, costumes way off. I would prefer to hear from some of the more talented contemporary black playwrights.
See it if you can make it through the first play which is very sloppy. The second play is great. I gave the first play a 15 and the second play 70
Don't see it if you want to see something new. Both plays were written over 45 years ago.
Also The was the worst audience I have ever been a part of. Constant talkin... Read more Read less
See it if You are socially conscious or like to discover new talent
Don't see it if Only like big budget Broadway productions
See it if You enjoy political theater with great writing and great performances.
Don't see it if You don't understand that these farcical plays are a dialogue for the black community and whitr audiences may feel excluded.
Cast & Creatives (23)
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