Chisa Hutchinson is a brilliant, brave playwright who calls out racism in brutally honest ways. Her work portrays racists in this country in all their ignorance, glory, community and hatred. In her play “Amerikin” you get to see the side of this society that is full of hate, stupidity, and deliberate persecution for people who have done nothing to them. Playing at 59E59 Theaters, in this Primary Stages production Hutchinson gives us Jeff Browning, a white man who lives in a small Maryland town where everyone is a Trump supporter and lover, and many boldly display Confederate flags with pride. This community of people proudly proclaims generations of hatred towards Black people, generations of KKK members who are as ignorant, despicable, and cruel as their ancestors before them. We meet Jeff after he has just become a proud father of a baby boy named Hunter. Jeff is excited because his friend Dylan, who is a member of the Klan, is putting him up for membership. He just has to prove his lineage is pure.
Jeff’s life with his wife Michelle is a dismal one. She is going through severe postpartum depression and Jeff is completely unsympathetic to her situation. This is a poor woman, who now has a baby that she feels is draining the life out of her. Michelle feels unseen, uncared for, and is just living to feed and take care of the baby, a role she despises. Jeff tries to look beyond the terrible situation in front of him and instead tries to focus on Dylan getting him into the Klan, where he feels he and his family will enjoy a sense of safety and community. Jeff, however, learns something that makes his dream turn into a nightmare. As his hopes are dashed, he is desperate. While Jeff needs help, he is determined to stand his ground and stay in the home and community he has always known. Hutchinson has this white, racist, Klan wannabe see what this community does to anyone who does not meet their standards of white purity. What’s interesting about this story is that it takes a Black journalist (Gerald) and his daughter (Chris) to actually step in and uncover what is really going on.
In the first act of this play, be prepared to hear a lot of racist dialogue. Be prepared to hear white racist conversations spoken with pride and self justification. In the second act though, as it should be, Hutchinson gives us the reckoning that people should receive when they live their lives with hatred for others. Hutchinson does not give this story a fairytale ending, but lets it reflect on what can happen in life when you live your life in such a despicable manner. Sadly, these places are here in this country and have been here for a long time, and will go on being here, but I appreciate that Hutchinson created this play to bring their ignorance, hatred and backward thinking into the light of day. You cannot sit in this production and not be affected by the way that this Black writer so clearly depicts these characters and shows how ugly can turn on its own kind. I also love how the Black journalist and his daughter bring in the common sense, but also the outrage and end up telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth of Jeff’s life, lies, and the total disarray he has bought on himself. Of course, every person in a community like this is not always on board with the ignorance; the characters of Alma and Poot are those people who don’t go with the status quo.They do, however, carry themselves in a particular way in order to survive in their environment.
The cast delivers this play with great power, and you are left completely engrossed. The very capable ensemble consists of Daniel Abeles (Jeff Browning); Molly Carden (Michelle Browning); Tobias Segal (Poot), Luke Robertson (Dylan); Andrea Syglowski (Alma), Victor Williams (Gerald) and Amber Reauchean Williams (Chris).
I must say that Victor Williams impressively delivers his role, demonstrating the balancing act that a Black man has to perform in this society. He goes to cover Jeff’s story while realizing that he is putting himself in harm’s way, and while he tries to maintain his compassionate demeanor, he is also a Black man who will protect himself and his child. Amber Reauchean Williams is captivating as Chris. Her character is a lovely portrayal of a daughter who is respectful, but also very aware of the racist, dangerous situation she and her father face in this outwardly racist community. It is stunning to watch a Black man teach his daughter life lessons while still keeping them both safe.
The production has mesmerizing direction by Jade King Carroll. It features scenic design by Christopher Swader and Justin Swader, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Carolina Ortiz, and original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones.
Hutchinson’s work will grab you by the throat with the raw language often used in this play and hold your attention to the final word! For tickets visit www.primarystages.org. This production will only be playing through April 13.