When
you walk into Subversive Theatre's Manny Fried Playhouse you don't really
know what to expect. Stepping out after a short trip up a giant
freight elevator brings you to a large room with a small, eclectic
crowd. A member of the troupe shouts "The House is
open" as the small group hustles inside. On stage is
minimal scenery and minimal lighting, and you think for a second, "What
did I get myself into?" But, sure enough, you can find
yourself pleasantly surprised, if not forced into dialogue about the
political play you just witnessed. The troupe's latest production, "Harvest"
by the famous poet Langston Hughes, is no different.
You
shouldn't walk in expecting high class scenery and "escape for a
few hours" entertainment; it's not what this alternative group
wants. They want you to be uncomfortable and they want
dialogue. They want productions that make you think and challenge
your values. And, this latest play, which follows the plight of
migrant farm workers on strike during the Great Depression can do just
that if you let it. Embrace the group for their vision and their
creativity with limited budget and means and you’ll get everything out
of the play you're supposed to. Walk in with the wrong attitude and
a closed mind and you may leave disappointed.
That
is not to say the performance is altogether weak. Yes, certain
actors stood out more than others. Yes, the sets were plain and
required some imagination. But, out of imperfect means can come
great creativity. For instance the show's lighting was actually
quite impressive, using shadows of actors to portray more characters with
a limited cast while simultaneously giving them a sort of nightmarish
mystery and casting exploitative farmers as the enemy to the worker and
union. The group also successfully weaved a play with some of
Hughes' more shocking poetry and songs of the working man, which added to
depth of the play though halted the plot slightly.
As
the director said to the audience before the performance, "This is
not the Langston Hughes you learned about in social studies."
He was right. Don't expect calm, eloquent commentary on
slavery. Expect harsh words about working conditions and
revolution. Don't expect calm entertainment. Expect biting
political commentary and an out-of-the-ordinary show. If
in-your-face graphic political speech about the plight of the worker and
praise for unions isn't exactly your cup of tea, stay at home. It's
not for those who wish to remain at ease and merely entertained.
It's for those who hunger for political action and don't mind getting a
little bit uncomfortable.
"Harvest" by Langston Hughes plays at the Manny Fried
Playhouse in the Great Arrow Building Friday-Sunday through March
20. Tickets are $15 general admission or $10 for students, seniors
or members of Subversive Theatre. For more information or directions
to the theater, visit their Web site at www.subversivetheatre.org.
