Theater Review: Role Players Ensemble Presents Award-Winning Off Broadway Hit Honky

(l-r) Michael L. Grayson II, Craig Eychner, Terrance Smith, Justin Hernandez, Miia Ashley, Micah Watterson, Khary Moore, and Emily Keyishian. Photo by Marian Bliss, 2019.

Honky is a play that explores race relations in modern day America. What could be a timely piece, however, falls victim to one-dimensional characters who appear to be caricatures of the very topic that the author is trying to advocate. Because of this, the play, although highly entertaining, does not quite send the proper message about what it means to be a person of color in America. It is very much from the perspective of playwright Greg Kalleres, and, unfortunately, there are a lot of playwrights out there who are discussing the topic of race with much more clarity. That being said, director Katja Rivera does an incredible job bringing the play to life. Rivera has an incredible eye for detail; there’s intention behind every move. Under a less skilled director, the material could’ve been a mess, but Rivera’s vision brings the clarity that the play’s words often lack. Continue reading “Theater Review: Role Players Ensemble Presents Award-Winning Off Broadway Hit Honky

Theater Review: Aphra Behn’s The Rover at Danville Village Theatre

Not much has changed since 1677 — Role Players Ensemble brings Aphra Behn’s The Rover to the Danville Village Theatre

Edited by Jessica Vaden

David J. Bohnet plays Don Pedro, Florinda’s overbearing brother. Nicolette Ellis is Florinda and Terrance Smith as Belville. Photos by Marian Bliss, 2018, courtesy of RPE.

Perhaps now more than ever we are questioning the social constructs that have been put into place for us, especially for those of us on the margins, or in places where our identities intersect. In an attempt at dismantling oppression, we look at its history… starting from gender bending to gender breaking, and finally, to what we assume will become the complete elimination of gender roles. Continue reading “Theater Review: Aphra Behn’s The Rover at Danville Village Theatre”