“Good Bones,” written by James Ijames and playing at the Public Theater, looks at gentrification and the relationships between the Black people who live in the community and don’t want change and those who live in the community and encourage gentrification. A move which will result in the neighborhood people being displaced. This play also looks at the idea of a successful Black woman — Aisha — being haunted in her newly renovated home, and not knowing what the ghost wants to convey to her. Aisha grew up in the neighborhood, but for her it was a nightmare.
Aisha is married to Travis, a chef opening a new restaurant. They are trying to have a baby, but that is the least of their issues: These two are very different types of people and they are fighting to keep their relationship alive. Every part of the storyline that captures your attention is developed — but only to a point.
Since Ijames wrote “Fat Ham,” a play I thoroughly enjoyed, I was surprised that this work felt so incomplete. I hope he considers revisiting it and giving the audience conclusions, because the issues he brings up are quite important.
The cast consisted of four characters: Aisha, portrayed by Susan Kelechi Watson; Travis, played by Mamoudou Athie; Earl, performed by Khris Davis, a contractor who wants to protect his birthplace; and current resident Carmen, Earl’s younger sister, played by Tea Guarino. The actors delivered strong performances, considering what they were working with. The play features direction by Saheem Ali.
For more info, visit www.publictheater.org.