Playwright, Steve Carter, who died in 2020, was a trailblazer when he wrote “Eden.” This portrait of a particular, Black family relates to all cultures, and is the first of three, semi-autobiographical plays which premiered at Negro Ensemble Company in 1976. Thanks to Tia Smith a student, at David Geffen School of Drama and faculty member Awoye Timpo, a faculty member, this lighthearted play on a serious subject is making a come-back at Yale Repertory theatre.
There are many plays about New York City and what is termed the “melting pot” of the United States. The struggles of Jews, Irish, Italian and many other minority groups to assimilate in a foreign country is nothing new, nor are the prejudices within each culture, but seldom do we hear about a family of from the West Indies who have similar prejudices among themselves.
The play is a love story amidst the awakening of women’s rights. It takes place in 1927 in a Black neighborhood of Manhattan (where Lincoln Center now stands). The neighbors that occupy 2nd floor apartments across the hallway from each other, come from different backgrounds and their relationship is further strained when “boy meets girl” on the stairway.
Russell G. Jones plays a very believable “Mr. Joseph Barton,” a very strict father who comes from the West Indies. He considers himself a general in Marcus Garvey’s philosophical army and treats his family the same way. Christina Acosta Robinson is his obedient wife, “Florie.” The two lovers are Lauren F. Walker “Eustace,” and Chaundri Hall-Broomfield, “Annetta.” Heather Alicia Simms is the neighbor who is related to “Eustace” and both came from the American Southland.
Brandon J. Dirden directs this wonderful cast. Deserving of special mention is Scenic Designer George Zhou for the complex, lay-out of the apartment house.
“Eden” is certainly another Yale Repertory hit!
