Photo credit Anthony Johnson
Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
Towne Street Theatre at the Stella Adler Theatre
Thru October 27th
RECOMMENDED
Written by David Lee Lindsey and directed by Veronica Thompson and Justin Lord, 160 Years of Walking is a testament to how resilient Black people have been throughout American history.
It contains four acts. The first spans from 1865 to 1875, the second goes to 1906, the third to 2010; and the last is set in 2025. Lindsey covers so much within about two hours, and he does not hide from the harsh realities and treatment of Black people in the United States. By doing so, he holds a mirror to society. Regardless of your race, you should be able to take something from this. For instance, many Black people (including myself) don’t have to be reminded of what our ancestors have been through, however it can be a good reminder of how strong we have been. Unfortunately, many today only view Black people through the lens of enslavement. That is simply not the entirety of what we have experienced.
In Lindsey’s scene “A View From the Inside,” when the year is 1906, the subject matter of women being allowed to vote is at the forefront. A daughter is an impassioned young woman who is standing up to her step-father who is denouncing women voting, claiming that it just doesn’t make sense for them to do so. Although we are able to vote in the present day, this idea of women not being capable is still very present in 2024. In “Suicidal Rabbits,” we see two warehouse workers who come to the realization that they are not making what they’re worth at their job. This act, set in 2025, is relevant, as many gig workers and warehouse workers are underpaid and overworked.
There is no singular standout actor and that is because they are all impressive in their own right. From Cherie Carter to Aron Cobbs to Dr. John P. Crocker to Aneisha Hughes to Daphne Jones to Joe Nassi to Jaimyon Parker to RJ Wayne and Terrence Wayne Jr., each actor holds their own weight in each of their acts. What’s also lovely about this production is that it includes not only streams of consciousness, but also music to help tell the story from musician Leslie A. Jones (on drums).
This is a powerful and poignant production that bears witness to difficult but essential truths.
Towne Street Theatre at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd. Hlywd.; thru Oct. 27. https://www.townestreetla.org/ Run time 2 hours with a 10 minute intermission.
