Taraji P. Henson Lights Up Revival
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen and featuring a strong cast including Taraji P. Henson and Cedric The Entertainer, highlights Wilson’s unique blend of naturalism and supernatural elements.
- Set in 1911 Pittsburgh, the play explores the experiences of Southern Black migrants and the lingering trauma of slavery through characters like Herald Loomis, who suffers from the psychological scars of forced labor.
- Central to the story is Bynum Walker, a “conjure man” whose mystical rituals and spiritual insights offer hope and connection to the isolated characters, emphasizing themes of community and healing.
- The production thoughtfully examines migration’s costs and rewards, portraying how individuals remain bound to their pasts while seeking new identities and futures.
- Director Allen’s pacing and the creative team’s design work complement Wilson’s narrative, culminating in a powerful ending that reflects on the enduring presence of history and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
