The Pollard delivers powerful performances of ‘Fences’
The Pollard Theatre is presenting August Wilson’s awardwinning “Fences” under the skillful leadership of director Akin Babatunde. Babatunde, a Brooklyn native, comes to Oklahoma from Dallas to direct “Fences” for Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre Company.
The story revolves around Troy Maxson, a black man born just before the turn of the previous century. In the 1950s, the obstacles for a black family to overcome were considerable, and in the arena of sports, it is too late for Troy Maxson. But Jackie Robinson has made a breakthrough, and it is not too late for Troy’s son, Cory.
Troy is unable to recognize his son may have real opportunities, so he refuses to allow Cory to play football. Rose Maxson is the patient, pleasant woman straddling the conflict between father and son. Lyons (Zakee King) is Troy’s oldest son from an earlier marriage. He is an adult but also a frequent moocher. Troy also has responsibilities for his younger brother, Gabriel (Roderick Porter). Suffering severe head trauma during the war, Gabriel never recovered, and Troy has been handling his living arrangements and, apparently, his finances. Jim Bono (Brian C. Scott) is Troy’s best friend and fellow garbage collector. The balanced advice he provides could be helpful, but Troy stubbornly ignores opinions from others. Troy also has a daughter, Raynell (Honey Scott). She is to be raised by Rose, who will love her as her own daughter.
In addition to the discrimination they face, we can see this family suffer from the same self-inflicted blocks we all build. The hardest obstacle we have to overcome is the one we have put upourselves. This becomes very apparent in W. Jerome Stevenson’s portrayal of Troy Maxson. Stevenson is Pollard’s artistic director, and he often directs the productions. On the occasions he also performs, it is a treat. We see him appreciate and cherish the support of his wife, and we see him throw it away. The performance of Stevenson is beautifully complemented by Bethanie James. The most important part of the exchange is in the eyes, and these eyes have expressed it with focus, clarity and love.
The most challenging obstacle Troy Maxson has is to allow his son the option of succeeding where he could not. Chris Shepard plays Cory with the courage to match his father’s stubborn streak.
Raynell is the future. In her Troy could find redemption. With Raynell, Rose can still love the best of Troy Maxson. A tall order for a little girl, but Scott carries the role gracefully. Her talent also may carry her to many future performances.
Babatunde put together an excellent crew providing the ambiance of a neighborhood in Pittsburgh; a little rundown perhaps, but spotless, well organized and full of love. The new fence is a project for father and son and symbolic as a reflection of their relationship. The fence also has meaning for Rose, and it is comforting to believe the fence will one day be completed.