Plays based on real people and events often ignite with special intensity in performance. Such is the case with Open Door Repertory Company’s current production of Mark St. Germain’s Best of Enemies. Set in Durham, North Carolina in 1971, the plot follows the true events when, 17 years after the landmark Brown vs. The Board of Education school desegregation case, the local school district has finally been court-ordered to integrate.
Two powerful characters, C.P. Ellis (Brendan Murphy), the Exalted Cyclops of the North Carolina Branch of the Ku Klux Klan, and Ann Atwater (Felisha McNeal), an outspoken African-American activist who until then has been working for better housing conditions for her local black community, start off as sniping adversaries. Their relationship is racially contentious.
Adapted by the playwright from a best-selling nonfiction book, the four-character drama is taut and tensely structured. Co-directors Sonita L. Surratt and Mary Pat Sieck deliver a gripping yet nuanced production. The actors deliver strong performances.
Murphy never shies away from his character’s bullying, racist nature. We first see him in his red Klan robe. His seething hatred is frightening in its intensity, yet the actor is also able to make us feel how the gun-toting gas station operator is painfully isolated and in turmoil. He is as revered by the white community as he is detested by the black. His journey is more harrowing than that of his “enemy.”Â
McNeal is larger than life in her role as a single mom who committed long ago to be a courageous civil rights worker, speaking out against racial injustice. She is now dedicated to finally getting the federal law enforced.
The two characters clash over issues of school integration. Though there is no love lost between these two, together they co-chair a conference that in time develops into a positive relationship.
I find it fascinating that we have had a number of works lately in which racist whites grow and evolve to become virtual friends with African Americans. Think of the movie Green Book last year.
This play is perhaps somewhat predictable and no doubt some audience members will consider it to be preaching to the converted, but in our current era in which bigotry and intolerance seem to be on the rise, it’s important to be reminded there is still lots to be done.
Jordan Gleaves is fine as a shrewd, charismatic black academic and community organizer.
Klansman Ellis’ long-suffering wife, who cares for their developmentally-disabled son, is played by Kit O’Kelly. Her character is touching and strong.
The script has little interest in how the North Carolina community was able to achieve their goals in this volatile period nearly a half century ago. We don’t learn much of what was actually said in their conflict resolution meetings.
Various locations are portrayed, the settings often indicated by projected titles. Josh Prisching’s scenic and lighting design is nicely done. Steven Saliny’s sound design is especially good, including crowd sounds, radio bulletins, and other bits of narration to hold the plot together.
Best of Enemies is uplifting and well-executed. Though it may seem implausible that a cross-burning Klansman could experience his icy heart melting, in this portrayal, it is believable. This tight drama, depicting extreme opposites who work out their conflicts, is quite effective.
“Best of Enemies” will be performed at Open Door Theater, 902 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park, through Oct. 27. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. $27; $25, seniors; $15, students. Tickets: 708-386-5510, opendoortheater.net/theatre. The show is recommended for ages 14 and up.
