1969, A Topical Triumph

By Bonnie Priever on October 30, 2014 Theatre Reviews

 

1969, presented by Towne Street Theatre, LA’s Premiere African American Theatre Company, is a wonderful tribute to the turbulence of that infamous decade, as it relates to the Black experience. The plot involves a revolutionary group, patterned on the Black Panthers, called Blacks United, run by the charismatic Ajamu (Jaimyon Parker).

 

In total contrast, there is also a couple, businessman Ernest (Kenny Cooper) and his socialite wife Grace (Megan Weaver). They are involved in saving a youth center from being destroyed by the powers that be, including Mayor Evans (Jonathan Harrison).

 

One of many memorable scenes includes a party, involving the entire ensemble, where certain invitees get drunk, including Edna (Lina Green), whom the couple has taken in. Others are dancing, when an inevitable confrontation erupts between Ernest and Ajama, which seems to have been seething from the onset.

 

The play talks of the mores of the middle class, trying to achieve some semblance of normalcy vs. the turbulent political climate. At the end, there’s a standoff between Blacks United and the police, which truly parallels the battle for tolerance and attempts for blacks to be accepted. Ajamu symbolizes the seriousness of the group’s cause, as their fearless leader.

 

The play is very topical, as times haven’t really changed greatly, with still much tension brewing in race relations. The acting, writing (Barbara White Morgan), and directing (Kim Harrington) are all powerful. This play is a fine example of the good work coming out of the Towne Street Theatre.

 

For more information, call (213) 712-6944 or email info@townestreet.org.