Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s “1619: The Journey of a People,” with Ozivell Eckford, Marchello Lee, and Vanessa Love/ Photo: Basil Clunie
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s “1619: The Journey of a People,” is an edutainment musical covering the history of the Black American experience, from the first landing of enslaved Africans in North America up to the present day. Written and directed by Ted Williams III and co-directed by Tim Rhoze, the show features well-written narrations of historical events interspersed with songs and dance numbers accompanied by a three-piece band.
“1619” is an educational production with a well-worn format, like productions held during elementary school assemblies. The brief narratives of Black American history are melodramatic; then again, Black history is a serious subject. Between historical expositions are musical numbers, occasionally performed to a backing track, with two backup dancers repeating similar two-step moves while lip-syncing to pre-recorded vocals.
Those versed in Black American history will get a chance to delight in short skits steeped in the Black American experience and philosophy. The highlight is a rap battle about the social and political prescriptions of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois. Two men meeting on a public bench drop dank lyrical bars that argue the importance of self-reliance and financial independence versus the merits of high education and the theory of “The Talented Tenth.” For those unfamiliar with these, and other towering historical figures, this is the perfect introduction.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s “1619: The Journey of a People,” with Ted Williams III/ Photo: Basil Clunie
Despite the heavy subject matter, most of the show has a light feel; the exceptions are a couple of scenes that are unexpectedly graphic. In a re-creation of a slave plantation, a cruel overseer brutally whips an enslaved man while two enslaved women wail and cry; then, the overseer chooses one of the women and makes her whip the other woman! Another excerpt has a line of enslaved Africans slowly being led into captivity while a man screams loud and long enough to make your blood curdle. These two scenes have an intense impact and succeed as metaphors for the reprehensible horrors of chattel slavery; however, the terrifying quality clashes with the upbeat rhythm of the rest of the show.
Every cast member has a specialty. Besides being the playwright and co-director, Ted Williams III is a talented actor, and he delivers a comedic monologue about friends, family and life within the Black community. Choreographer Marchello Lee shines in solo spots, proving to be as capable a vocalist as a dancer of hip-hop and African styles. Vocalists Simbryt Whittington Dortch and Shannon Stiles perform works in the style of soul, gospel and R&B. Percussionist Ozivell Eckford pulls double duty as drummer and actor, malicious in his role as the dreadful overseer.
“1619: The Journey of a People” offers a concise history of the Black American experience in an easy-to-digest formula—with a few surprises thrown in. One thing the production gets unequivocally right: “Although we came on different boats, now we’re on the same team.”
“1619: The Journey of a People” is presented by Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and runs through June 30 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston. Showtimes are Saturdays at 7pm; Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $32 here or at (847)866-5914.
