Six Characters is powerful theater at Lincoln Center
You must rush to Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow Theatre on W 65th Street because you only have a short window in which to experience the brilliant work of African American playwright Phillip Howze through his work “Six Characters,” running through August 25 only. This piece of theater starts off with a lot of humor and some very oddball characters, but as it goes on you realize there is a very deep message which deals with the racism, devaluing and disrespect that Black people face in all aspects of society, including the theater.
The audience is introduced to a company of actors who play the roles of Character 1, Character 2, Character 3, Character 4, Character 5 and Character 6. Through intense conversations, the playwright lets the audience witness how Black people have been mistreated and devalued by society for so long that they are not only used to it, but sadly accept it and in some cases feel that there is no way out. Even amongst each other, we find that we are victims of belittling. The playwright dramatically shows that we fear the racism that comes at us from so many different angles.Also of note is how the character that seems to have a bit of power, referred to as the Director, is a great Mussolini fan and actually does an impression of him, making a speech in Italian.
One character, Sassy, depicts a feisty Black woman who is searching for respect, and to be heard and appreciated. Another character, dressed as a policeman, is Sassy’s ex-boyfriend who is hoping to get back into her life, but is stopped by Sassy’s fears and needs. A character named Cat, a cleaning lady at the theater, is used to having to clean up the messes that the actors leave behind, especially the Director, but she also has a wise side to her, and a vulnerability. Another character, Road, an enslaved person who has found her way to the theater, realizes that times have not changed — we are still slaves to institutions and jobs. Another character, Newman, wants a career in acting and is searching for guidance. The ironic part about the Director character is that though he is technically “in charge,” he struggles for everything that his company gets. He realizes that, deep down, he actually has to grovel for whatever props and other materials he secures for a production, and he has to keep in mind the reactions that his white audiences will have, because they have the money.
Howze cleverly delivers this story with a great deal of heart and complexity, while also making it a lesson on how things have not really changed. The cast is absolutely stunning. Julian Robertson as Character 1 (The Director) delivers a funny, stirring performance. Claudia Logan, Character 2 (Sassy) brings passion, humor and intensity to her role, letting the audience see her sides that are sassy as well as those that are fearful and vulnerable. Seret Scott as Character 3 (Cat, the cleaning lady) gives a powerful, memorable performance that will leave an impression on your soul. Her frustration about cleaning up other people’s messes is palpable. Will Cobbs is marvelous as Character 4. He has a great chemistry with Logan as they play that couple that were once very much in love and trying to figure out what happened. CG plays Character 5 and Newman and was memorable to watch as she struggled wanting to be taken seriously and trying to understand the uprising that was happening around her in the theater. Seven F. B. Duncombe plays Character 6 (Road), and hers was one of the most engaging performances, as she maneuvered through trying to learn about this new society into which she has journeyed, only to realize that since slavery times things have not really improved that much. Her character, however, is a testament to the resilience of Black people to survive, no matter what, because we stay true to ourselves and find ways to cope with the situation happening around us.
Director Dustin Wills truly did a fine job of crafting these actors, words and exchanges to make the audience be engaged, entertained, but also walk away with a great deal to ponder. On the technical side you have costumes by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting by Masha Tsimring, sound by Christopher Darbassie, and stage management by Victoria Whooper. This is definitely a play worth your time and attention. Some parts may make you feel uncomfortable, unsettled, but sometimes theater should do just that. For ticket information, visit www.lct.org.
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