Roger Guenveur Smith's masterful play returns to Los Angeles, and it offers a haunting and mesmerizing look at one of the late co-founders of the Black Panther Party. The script is primarily a compilation of Huey P. Newton's writings and interviews, but it is Smith who recreates one of America's most complex and misrepresented figures. Smith's characterization of Newton is brimming with charisma, brilliance, and a looming intensity that surges forward when we least expect it. This is enhanced by David Welle's unencumbered set design—a platform, a chair, and a microphone. Throughout the show, Welle's lighting design follows Smith's lead as it illuminates, hides, and partly shadows the actor. And it says volumes when an actor can command the stage, for almost two hours, from a seated position.
This is not to say that Smith's character is in any way immobile. From the moment the play starts, whether it be with a twitch, shake, or stomp, Smith shows us the effects of drug addiction, pressure, and restless energy on his revolutionary leader.
Revealing a larger historical background is Marc Anthony Thompson's sound design, which also functions as a supporting character. It's like listening to two soundtracks at times—Thompson's music and the soundscape created by Smith's voice. Throughout, the politics and poetry of the show are balanced, often intertwined in the musicality and repetitive rhythm of the language. There are also moments in the play when the only sound and movement onstage are a shaking foot, a cigarette being lit, or a man puffing a cloud of smoke into the air—and they hold our attention as if it were the first time we've seen this. And much of the imagery in the show comes out of this simple and stark style, like the transformation of the peace sign into an image of violence—or defense? It does not matter whether we agree or disagree with Newton's ideologies, whether we know little or nothing about the Black Panthers. Smith at least offers the opportunity to listen to the words of a man who lived a revolution, who really did beat death.
"A Huey P. Newton Story," presented by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, in association with Will and Company, at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Downtown L.A. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Feb. 10-Mar. 11. $10-25. (213) 485-1681.