*There are times when you wonder, why isn’t there a line out the door and onto the street when one attends a performance as powerful as what is demonstrated in A Heated Discussion-Revisited, written by Levy Lee Simon, directed by Ben Guillory and playing now through June 17th at The Robey Theatre Company at 514 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Through the wonder of such a highly conscious imagination, Levy Lee Simon brings to life the image and philosophies of some of America’s most iconic luminaries in a celestial location to discuss what’s going on in the earth realm today, with comparisons to their own triumphs and perils from when they occupied the earth.
Photo credit: Ian Foxx
A Heated Discussion is a walking, talking, living, and breathing history lesson unfolded on stage. Imagine a standoff between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X on principles of non-violence versus necessary violence when in the case of self-defense.
Imagine Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, and Zora Neale Hurston trading crosswords over artistic integrity, socialism, and sexism. Sit tight and wish for a huge bag of popcorn when Dr. Frances Cress Welsing schools the assembly on the fear, envy, politicization, and polarization of the Black man based upon his superior body parts.
Meanwhile, the late Richard Pryor, Tupac, Nina Simone, and Bob Marley vie for a few poignant interruptions that expose the depths of their struggle and soul. Imagine being anchored by the ageless courage and wisdom of Ida B. Wells and Maya Angelou, all while under the purview of ancient oracles Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya. A Heated Discussion-Revisited brings forth a surprise ending when a warrior spirit appears with a commanding solution.
To say that these performances are riveting is an understatement. Los Angeles need not sit this one out! This is a chance to absorb wisdom from the ages, straight from the pages of history in A Heated Discussion-Revisited. We can no longer scream #OscarssoWhite on Oscar night and leave empty seats when our performers of color (many of whom are Oscar & Tony Award worthy) are bleeding talent and artistic excellence in venues and stages night after night.
The challenge is to not just talk about it but “be” about it. Pack the house, witness the discussion, and then form your own opinions but know this, this is not a performance to be missed! Suggested audience is age 13+. Click here for tickets to the remaining shows. The Robey Theatre Company is founded by Danny Glover and Artistic Director Ben Guillory.
The stellar cast of A Heated Discussion is Kimberly Bailey (Maya Angelou), Lorenz Arnell (Tupac), Richard Pryor (Philip Bell), Christina Childress (Lorraine Hansberry), Alex W.S.T. (Bob Marley), Marcus Clark Oliver (Malcolm X), Monte Escalanté (Ida B. Wells), Julio Hanson (James Baldwin), Rosie Lee Hooks (Dr. Frances Cress Welsing), Lashada Jackson (Nina Simone), Damon Rugledge (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Shanae Sharon (Zora Neale Hurston), Anderlyn Smith (Yemaya), Ayanna Michelle (Oya), Charyse Monet (Oshun), Swisyzinna also listed as Zora Neale Hurston and Dmetrius Conley Williams listed as understudy for Richard Pryor.
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