For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa by Blake Martin

Published on October 1st, 2024 | by Hype Staff

Writer-Producer Blake Martin Explores Grief, Identity, and Resilience in ‘For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa’

Heartbreaking, thought-provoking, chaotic-in the best way, and inspiring are the words that come to mind when I reflect on my two and a half hours in the world of writer and producer Blake Martin. As I stepped out of the darkness of the theater following the performance of “For Colored Boys 2; A Seat on The Sofa,” I had only one thing on my mind: “Black Men Deserve Better.” Show Review by Warren D. Diggs

The production, which opened last Saturday, was adapted for the stage and inspired by the world-renowned art piece of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange. Similar to Shange’s work, Blake Martin explores the lives of six African-American men, each assigned an emotional color, and their mental struggles that led them to suicide.

Blake Martin’s work was an electrifying and poignant exploration of identity, community, and resilience that captivated me from the very first moment. This powerful stage play served as a stunning sequel to Martin’s original, “For Colored Boys,” masterfully expanding upon the themes of its predecessor while standing alone as a testament to the experiences and struggles of Black men in America.

From the moment the curtains rose, it was clear the writing was sharp and evocative, intertwining humor and heartbreak with a deft touch. Martin’s dialogue rings true, capturing the nuanced voices of its characters and immersing the audience in their world. Each scene and exchange was crafted with care, allowing for moments of introspection alongside bursts of laughter that keep the energy vibrant.

The cast delivered performances that were nothing short of extraordinary. Each actor embodied their character with authenticity and depth, bringing a rich emotional palette to the stage.

The show opened with Dr. Renee Johnson, played by Kimberly Stelle, who is opening a Black men’s mental health clinic on the south side of Chicago- which would serve as our backdrop for the men we would meet in this production. Stelle delivers a truly unforgettable performance in “For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa,” solidifying her status as a standout talent in contemporary theater. From the moment she steps onto the stage, her presence commands attention, effortlessly drawing the audience into the emotional depths of her character.

Stelle’s portrayal of Dr. Renee was a masterclass in grit and authenticity. She navigates the complexities of her role with grace, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions—from heart-wrenching despair to moments of infectious joy and uncertainty—left a lasting impact on the audience. Each line she delivers feels deeply personal, resonating with truth and sincerity.

The first “Colored Boy” we would meet in this universe was James Thompson, a young man dealing with the dynamic relationship between an aspiring basketball star and his over-demanding coach. The levels of this relationship already yield so much tension but as the scene progressed a bomb was dropped when it was discovered this coach has been molesting his prize pupil for the last several years. Warren Baskin, who portrays this young athlete, portrays the depth of a young man grappling with the complex dynamics of ambition, trust, and betrayal. Baskin masterfully navigates the character’s internal struggle. He brings a palpable energy to the role, embodying both the fervor of youthful dreams and the crushing weight of disillusionment. His portrayal is a remarkable blend of determination and vulnerability, making it easy for the audience to empathize with his plight.

While the audience was still trying to recover from the emotional rollercoaster of the role of James, we are introduced to an army veteran suffering from PTSD, Michael McNair. On stage, we witness Michael fight an inner voice in his head that begins to take over his emotions. What was brilliant about this piece was that Martin decided to have the inner voice as an actual character on the stage. In comparison roles, directors have opted to have actors portray their own inner thoughts or have the audience experience from a voice-over perspective. But Martin placing the inner voice as an actual being on stage, provided a level of depth that was unexpected. Dominick DuJour, who plays Michael, embodied the role of the veteran with an authenticity that is both heart-wrenching and compelling. His portrayal captures the raw emotions of a man battling the ghosts of his past. From the weight of his silence to moments of explosive vulnerability, DuJour’s performance is layered with brilliance. In contrast, JJ Johnson serves as the inner voice, a remarkable foil to DuJour’s character. His performance is sharp and at times, hauntingly comedic. Johnson navigates the complexities of this role with finesse, embodying the duality of support and torment that often accompanies a struggle with mental health. His vocal inflections and dynamic presence add depth to the internal dialogue, making the audience acutely aware of the conflict between the desire for healing and the pull of past traumas. Together, DuJour and Johnson create a captivating synergy on stage. Their interactions are charged with tension and poignancy, as they explore the interplay between the veteran’s external struggles and his internal battles.

Lawrence E. Johnson delivers a heart-wrenching and profoundly moving performance in “For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa,” reprising his role as a young father grappling with the unbearable pain of losing his son to violence. Johnson’s portrayal is a tour de force, marked by an emotional depth that resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level. From his very first moment on stage, Johnson commands attention, embodying a man caught in the throes of grief and despair. Johnson’s performance captures the complexities of a father’s love, blending moments of deep sorrow with flashes of hope and resilience. His heartfelt expressions and haunting vocal delivery create a powerful narrative arc that draws the audience into his world of heartache. Under the direction of Blake Martin, Johnson’s performance is beautifully supported by thoughtful staging and lighting design that enhances the emotional weight of the narrative. The production’s pacing allows his character’s journey to unfold organically, inviting the audience to experience each moment alongside him.

As the audience sits in their seats, almost in complete silence from Johnson’s character carrying the body of his son off the stage, lights come up to reveal a couple, sitting on separate sides of “the sofa.” Jabril Ali and Jasmine Elizabeth Dandridge deliver an electrifying and emotionally charged performance portraying a couple on the brink of divorce. Their heated exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships captivated the audience from start to finish.

Ali shines as the husband, bringing a raw vulnerability to his character that is both relatable and heartbreaking. His portrayal captures the internal turmoil of a man grappling with deep feelings of hurt and confusion. Ali’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions—from anger and frustration to longing and sorrow—creates a rich and compelling narrative arc. His interactions with Dandridge are palpable, infused with tension and unspoken history that draws the audience into their shared marital struggles.

Dandridge, as the wife, delivers a powerful performance that is both passionate and introspective. She embodies the conflicting emotions of regret and desperation as her character navigates the consequences of her actions. Dandridge’s portrayal is both fiery and vulnerable, showcasing her character’s journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of a crumbling marriage. The chemistry between Ali and Dandridge is electric, creating moments that are both heart-wrenching and beautifully tender. Their dynamic shifts effortlessly between conflict and affection, capturing the complexities of love under pressure. Each exchange is laced with a mixture of vulnerability and raw emotion, making their on-stage relationship feel incredibly real.

After several back-to-back, severely emotional pieces, actor Layshon Smith enters the stage with humor and buoyancy that lifts the tension in the room. Layshon Smith, as Stacy James III, portrays a young gay man navigating the tumultuous waters of self-acceptance amidst the disapproval of his father, a pastor. His character’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as he grapples with the weight of familial expectations and the desire to be true to himself. Smith navigates the stage skillfully portraying the push and pull of love and disappointment. The authenticity of his performance invites the audience into his character’s journey, evoking empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in environments that may not embrace them.

Just when the audience thought there was nowhere else to go emotionally, James Gordon and Kimberly Stelle deliver a profoundly moving finale performance bringing to life a harrowing and emotionally charged confrontation between a young police officer and the sister of the unarmed man he tragically killed. Their portrayals are powerful and raw, capturing the complexities of grief, anger, and the desperate search for understanding of one another.

Gordon, as Officer Leo Tyner, navigates a tumultuous emotional landscape with remarkable skill. His character grapples with guilt, fear, and the weight of his actions, and Gordon captures these conflicting emotions with authenticity. His performance is a gunshot of remorse and the struggle for redemption. In contrast, Stelle shines as the grieving sister, delivering a performance that can only be described as otherworldly. Her portrayal encapsulates the pain of loss and the complexities of seeking closure in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Stelle’s ability to convey her character’s anguish and determination is striking; she masterfully balances moments of rage with profound sorrow, creating an emotional depth that resonates deeply with the audience.

Visually, this production was stunning. The simple and minimalistic set design is both evocative and functional, perfectly complementing the narrative while allowing the actors’ performances to shine without distraction. The use of lighting and sound enhances the mood, transporting the audience through various emotional landscapes with remarkable ease.

Martin’s direction is insightful and innovative, balancing the weight of the subject matter with moments of levity that feel organic and genuine. His vision is clear, and his ability to guide the cast and crew creates a cohesive and engaging experience.

The structure of the play was masterfully crafted, with interwoven storylines that resonate deeply. Martin doesn’t shy away from addressing difficult topics yet he does so with a grace that invites empathy and understanding. His ability to tackle such heavy themes while maintaining a sense of hope and redemption is truly commendable.

One of the most striking aspects of Martin’s writing is his keen insight into the human experience. Each moment feels earned, and the emotional arcs are thoughtfully developed, allowing the audience to fully invest in their journeys.

“For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa” is not just a play; it’s a powerful commentary on the societal issues that affect Black men today, woven together with threads of hope, brotherhood, and empowerment. It challenges audiences to reflect on their own lives while fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Blake Martin has crafted a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and celebrated. “For Colored Boys 2: A Seat on the Sofa” is a poignant reminder of the stories that need to be told, and it does so with grace, humor, and undeniable heart. Don’t miss this remarkable theatrical experience—it’s a seat on the sofa you’ll want to claim!

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Tags: Blake Martin, For Colored Boys, show review, Stage Play, suicide