History is important. There's no denying that. Even more so is history told right. In the wrong hands, many lessons of the past can be lost, forgotten, or downright ignored. With all the controversy surrounding the upcoming Stonewall film, I'd like to take a moment to spotlight a most appropriate counter to the Hollywood film's take.
Hit the Wall
Residents of Los Angeles are currently being treated to a brilliant production of a much-needed subject. Hit the Wall is a play that explores the moments leading up to that infamous Stonewall riot of 1969. It explores the lives of 8 distinct LGBT characters. Tano and Mika (played by Roland Ruiz and Blake Young-Fountain) sit atop their self-proclaimed throne of a stoop, dropping insults and throwing shade to any passerby. Their comedic wit and synchronized jeers make for a light-hearted introduction to the show's narrative. The externally confident Roberta (Shoniqua Shandai) frequently shuts them down while proudly promoting her all-female, internationally diverse group (of 1); W.I.L.D.Across the way lies the A Gay (Burt Grinstead), the oh-so-macho, straight-acting stud who occasionally propositions "lesser" gays, only to toss them to the curb once he's had his fill. Newbie (Jason Caceres), just recently arrived to town, is his latest victim.
Our stoop-top divas continue their mindless banter until coming across Carson (Matthew Hancock). This drag queen is in no mood for their self-hating bashes, and is quick to deliver a most accurate lesson in r-e-s-p-e-c-t to an unsuspecting Tano. The display of internalized homophobia here kicks off one of the many still-relevant issues of the show.
All is well until the boisterous Cop (Donnie Smith) announces a raid on the club, something read from the character reactions as an all too common event. Carson and Peg find themselves detained in the bar's restroom. Their choices in clothing have garnered them extra attention from the spiteful officer and soon find themselves victim to an onslaught of homophobia in what can only be described as a breathtakingly powerful, yet disturbing scene. The vulnerability of the characters invoke a great sense of fear and heartache. After an agonizing few minutes, tensions hit the ceiling and the two can no longer stand the abuse and degradation. They rise up against their oppressors and invite their onlooking brothers and sisters to do the same. What follows is a series of events which unite our characters in a way unlike any other. No longer can they stand idly by as they are mocked and humiliated. No longer can they hide in the shadows like vermin, stricken from society as ill-fated outcasts. No longer can they just watch. It is time to act. It is time to fight back.Overview
The cast is absolutely electric. Every emotion they express elicits a response within that pulls you right into their shoes. Their flawless delivery leaves not a single doubt about who they are and what drives them to be there on that stage. Shoniqua Shandai delivers from beginning to end. Her presence onstage is one of power and tenacity. This young woman carries an energy within her that you cannot help but be inspired by. Roland Ruiz perfectly captures the hidden fears and self-loathing still present in many of today's gay men. His wise-cracking routine takes a back seat to an important revelation of self-respect and false idolization. Matthew Hancock, in all his brilliance, brings a sense of class and dignity into this world that would see him otherwise. Amidst the insults, abuse and suffering, he holds his head high and eloquently releases words from his mouth in silk-like procession.
It's not often you find such a well-rounded and equally powerful cast, but everyone involved in Hit the Wall shows such passion and devotion to their craft, as well as this project. It's an amazing story to tell, and should have no one less than amazing to tell it. From the instant the doors opened and the cast welcomes you in with a dance, you know you are being treated to something truly special. The inventive use of the Davidson/Valentini Theatre provides an immersive experience in which the audience becomes a part of the set. The actors utilize the space meticulously, which allows for actions to take place in all directions. I sat next to the stoop Tano and Mika claimed as their own, looking across as they ogled the A Gay across the room, standing in a corner stairwell between the audience. It was a truly engaging experience that quickly made me feel as if I were part of the cast. As if I were involved in every scene and action. Ken Sawyer's direction of this production was bold and creative. He took this show to a level not many can reach, let alone dare to try. It was beautiful, intimate, and profoundly entertaining.
Hit the Wall runs every Friday-Saturday from September 18 - October 25 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza. 1125 N McCadden Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90028.
Tickets are available at http://www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre.
EDIT: Hit the Wall has been extended through December 13 due to high demand and ticket sales. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing production!
