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 A
House with No Walls
I’m
giving Lauren a break on this one, as I have somewhat overwhelmed
her time with theater! I hadn’t expected to write this review,
but here are my reflections . . .
The backdrop of A House with No Walls is the erection of
the American Museum of Liberty on the site of President George
Washington’s Philadelphia home and the controversial discovery
of slave quarters located there. During President Washington’s
residence at the home, law provided that after six months of
continuous residence, any slave that was the owned by a
non-resident of Philadelphia could apply for freedom. President
Washington evaded this law by systematically returning his
slaves to Virginia, his State of permanent residence, prior to
the expiration of this six-month period. After remaining in
Virginia for as little as a single day, the slaves could be
returned to Philadelphia and the six-month clock would again
run.
In the present day, as knowledge of this historical fact became
more widespread, African-Americans began to protest what they
perceived as the inadequate deference that the Museum proposed
to give to the site of the slave quarters and its historical
significance. A battle ensues between the conservative and
liberal African-American approaches to addressing the issue.
On the conservative side is Cadence Lane, portrayed by Amber
Starr Friendly, who struggles to balance her role as the head of
the Museum’s decision-making panel (of which she is the only
African-American) and her commitment and desire to contribute to
the relief of racial tensions. She battles accusations from her
peers that she has abandoned her obligations to her race as she
asserts her belief that it is time to move away from attempts to
make whites feel guilty for a racist past in which they did not
participate.
On the other hand, the liberal Salif Camera, portrayed by A.C.
Smith, stokes the fires of America’s refusal to acknowledge the
painful legacy of slavery and continued injustices. He stands
at the forefront of the protest, challenging the Museum
administrators, the current President’s refusal to apologize for
slavery and Cadence’s shameful participation in yet another
trivialization of our African-American ancestors.
At the center of the controversy is Oney Judge, portrayed by
Leslie Anne Sheppard, who was the first of President
Washington’s slaves to escape. Both Cadence and Salif are
somewhat haunted by the imagery of Oney as they each seek to pay
homage to her history, but in very different ways.
 Given the nature of President-elect Obama’s historic win and
“post-racial” campaign, the issues raised in A House with No
Walls are quite compelling. The play raises issues that
were never openly discussed in the African-American community
during the course of the campaign. Issues regarding racial
betrayal, accusations of not being “black enough” or, on the
other hand, clinging to old tactics for advancing race
relations. Salif could easily represent Reverend Jesse Jackson,
Jr., known for speaking out loudly against perceived racial
sleights and injustices, demanding recognition, apologies and
reparations. Cadence represents the more conservative
philosophy that it’s time to let the past go and move on, which
perhaps represents Obama’s approach. As the play ends and Oney
says to Cadence – I have my freedom now and you can be free, too
– you will be left to ponder the meaning of her proclamation.
Certainly, A House with No Walls raises issues that are
ripe for discussion. However, the demographics of the audience
on the afternoon that I attended made the post-performance
discussion both frustrating and inadequate. As I looked around
the full house and realized that I was amongst only four
African-Americans in attendance, I was reminded of one of the
reasons that I started Soleil’s To-Dos. There are
numerous events in Chicago that have cultural and/or
African-American themes that we just don’t hear about - events
that we should attend, as they are potentially enriching and
thought-provoking. I attended another play by Thomas Gibson,
Permanent Collection – at Northlight Theatre, and found the
same thing: an audience that absolutely lacked cultural
diversity.
I encourage you to see A House with No Walls and to
discuss it. I’m even willing to provide a forum for you to
do so! E-mail me if you’re interested and I’ll arrange
attendance for a group of 10-16, followed by dinner and
discussion.
Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com
If you'd like to share
Your Take - e-mail me!
A House with No Walls
continues through December 21st at
TimeLine Theatre Company.
For more information about the themes and issues raised in A
House with No Walls, check out the
Study Guide.
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