Displaying items by tag: Panther Women

Stepping into the entrance of this 79^th Street storefront immediately transports you to the 1960’s. You quickly realize you are in the headquarters of the Black Panther Party.  Brothers and sisters, both Black and white, are in conversation with each other speaking about liberation and freedom. There is anticipation in the room, something exciting is about to go down. As the lights dim, we are introduced to the distaff branch of The Black Panther Party.

Wonderfully written by India Nicole Burton, “Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation” is a homage to the crucial role played by women in a revolutionary group whose figureheads, with a few exceptions, were men. Burton highlights the lives of three female leaders of the Black Panther Party, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur and Elaine Brown. They incidentally are the only women activists of the Black Power movement who have published book-length autobiographies.

A theme repeated throughout this production was the idea of pity. “I can’t do nothing with your pity”, and these actresses don’t need any of it. Just like the women they are portraying; this is an ensemble composed of strong capable women. Using music from Nina Simone and percussions the ensemble danced, moved, and made you feel every emotion they were feeling. This is a totally immersive production. There is no room to hide, and Director Myesha-Tiara, whom I remember in her role as Annelle in Steel Magnolias at Theatre at the Center, makes use of every inch of space to tell this beautiful and important story. She tells it not only with words but with bodies close and honest.

The actresses are uniformly excellent.  Standouts include Alexis Dupree as Angela Davis whose fugitive on the run scene captured the desperation of Davis, Jerluane “Jae” Jenkins as Assata Shakur, growing up with her grandmother in North Carolina, changing her name, and being the center of the FBI COINTELPRO activities and Taylor Elie Talhame’ as Elaine Brown, who helped the party set up its first Free Breakfast for Children program in Los Angeles. Although their stories are centered, this production spoke of all the women of the liberation. The Black Panther Party was mostly women. They fought for their loved ones, their children, and their communities.  This production examines the organization, the joy and the sacrifice of women in the movement.

Do not let anything stop you from seeing arguably one of the best storefront productions this year. There is plenty of well-lit street parking.                                                                                                    

I expect greatness from this director, this playwright and this cast individually and collectively. Perceptions Theatre is a young theatre company, but it is evident they are here to make an impact.

When: Through May 27

Where: 1825 East 79^th Street Chicago, Illinois 60649

Tickets: $20

Info: www.PerceptionsTheatre.org.