Currently playing at Northlight Theatre, here is a powerful play directed by Ron OJ Parson and written by Dominique Morisseau. Though the play starts on a lighter note and can be quite humorous at times, a feeling of impending heaviness grows as we get deeper into the story. Focusing on a brother (“Lank”) and his sister (“Chelle”) that live together in their late parents’ home, we get a glimpse of an era that is both riddled with ignorant hatred but also flows with a hope for a better future.
Set in the titled year of 1967, Detroit ’67 gives us an in depth look at a family in the midst of the race riots that ran rampant in the streets of Detroit. The play argues that racist cops were mostly to blame for the riots pointing out the fact that white law enforcement took advantage of their position, making it a living hell in black communities where they inflicted their hate crimes.
Chelle and Lank run an afterhours club in their basement and though they often clash about how to invest the family money left to them, it is apparent that nothing can truly get between them, as we can see a strong bond throughout the play. Their daily existence is uprooted when Lank brings in a white girl (“Caroline”) home that was beaten and left for dead. With nowhere else to go, Chelle and Lank offer her temporary residence so long as she helps around the house. As time goes on, Lank and Caroline develop a connection and realize that they are very similar despite the color of their skin. At the same time, Lank and his best friend, “Sly”, who has a genuine interest in Chelle, are making plans to open a bar using the family money. The story unfolds nicely and gives the audience a true feeling of family and friendship.
Tyla Abercrombie and Kamal Angelo Bolden are both sensational in their roles as brother and sister really projecting the closeness of their relationship, making their characters immensely believable. It should also be noted that Kelvin Roston Jr. also delivers an ignited performance as “Sly”. The entire show takes place in a basement setting that becomes comfortable within its first few minutes.
“Detroit ’67” is both thought provoking and humorous but it’s the show’s overall message of hope and change that dominates as it should. Playing at Northlight Theatre through December 15th, “Detroit ‘67” is a well written, well-acted play that is thoroughly entertaining.
For more information on “Detroit ’67 visit www.Northlight.org.
*Above photo by Michael Brosilow
