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Photo courtesy Walter Puryear
SEVEN SVATOMIR and Shawn Sebastian as Florence and Charlie in ‘The Fall of the Kings,’ a new play at the Andrew Freedman Home. By Will Speros wsperos@riverdalepress.com
Bringing a ’40s perspective to bear on today’s tensions
BRENT SCHULTZ, as Turner King, in an image from a video of ‘The Fall of the Kings.’ cally weaves the audience into the narrative. “It’s a little different, more immersive theater experience. We
break down the fourth wall,” Mr. Puryear said. “On the main floor [the Andrew Freedman Home has] three huge
ballrooms. The idea came to transform one of the ballrooms into a black box theater,” said Fulton Hodges, the play’s stage manager.
JESSICA MARIA KNIGHT as Sylvia.
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bold new drama has taken the stage at the Andrew Freedman Home at 1125 Grand Concourse where audiences are invited for a provocative and engaging theater experience. Set in 1940s South End, Boston, “The Fall of The Kings” tells the story of the King family, an upper class family of Afro-Caribbean descent coming into conflict with their identity as the estate of their dying patriarch is threatened. The themes of racial and socioeconomic status resonate with audiences as they mirror the social issues still affecting the country today. “The play’s message is especially timely with an increase of gentrification in the Bronx,” said Walter Puryear, the play’s producer. Mr. Puryear is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, a commonality he shares with the play’s writer and director Mai Senaar. Ms. Senaar’s first play, “The Broken Windows Theory” made it to the stage when she was just 19. Mr. Puryear described the cast as “electrifying” to watch as their characters explore how to define culture and heritage in the midst of radical change. “We’re talking about so many issues — classism, loyalty, pride — that have remained relevant within our economic hierarchy,” said David Roberts, who portrays Gary Lorey, the sole attorney of the King family estate. “The Fall of The Kings” dynami-
Award-winning set designer Chris Cumberbatch, whose work has appeared in several Spike Lee films, was brought in to convert the space and bring the period piece to life. Mr. Hodges described the set as a “beautiful spectacle.” “I really love interactive space,” said Sakina Ibrahim, who plays the role of 14-year-old dancer Claudine. “It definitely required a lot of practice. I think it’s really cool and innovative.” As the story progresses, the set turns to take the audience from one space to another, throwing them into the scene as part of the family. Brent Shultz, who plays Turner King, has enjoyed being able to put his mark on the role. “There’s no correct way of doing it and there’s huge freedom in that,” he said. Another component of the play’s vivacity is its use of dance, which is incorporated into the story with great versatility. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity. I got to learn a lot,” said Seven Svatomir, who plays the role of Florence, another dancer. Mr. Puryear has likened the story in some ways to Arthur Miller’s “Death of A Salesman,” as it tackles coming to grips with one’s legacy and coming up shorthanded. “This original piece is a story that must be told and must be seen,” Ms. Ibrahim said. “The Fall of The Kings” runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 1. Tickets cost $30 to $45. For more information, visit www.andrewfreedmancomplex.com.