Time Out New York Theater Review: "The Emperor Jones"
By: David Cote - Time Out New York
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Eugene O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones" makes its way back to the New York theater scene, courtesy of The Irish Repertory Theatre. Time Out New York's David Cote filed the following review."The Emperor Jones" is a tricky part of Eugene O’Neill’s dramatic canon. When it first played New York in 1920, this expressionistic one-act offered a juicy lead role for an African-American. But the work also raised concerns for its minstrel-style language and stereotypical portrayal of blacks as violent and superstitious. Despite this potential to offend, the Irish Repertory Theatre offers a thrilling revival with no apologies.
John Douglas Thompson in the title role is the main reason this "Emperor Jones" works as well as it does. Thompson tackles the thick black dialect that O’Neill wrote for Brutus Jones with verve and musicality, making it sound natural to his character, a Pullman porter-turned-murderer who escapes from a prison chain gang and ends up king of a Caribbean island. The vibrant performer also brings muscular swagger and cunning humor to the role, even a sense of righteous outrage.
Acting as Jones’s criminal sidekick and foil is the craven Cockney Smithers, played with appropriate sliminess by Peter Cormican, who warns that the islanders are revolting against the tyrant. Most of this 75-minute play is occupied with Jones’s frenzied race through the jungle to escape the drums of the pursuing natives. As he goes deeper into the woods, he also goes on a sort of vision quest, tormented by ghosts of the past.
Ultimately, Jones is overwhelmed by a kind of collective unconscious of the African-American experience, stretching back to Africa. It’s not entirely clear what O’Neill is saying about race and destiny, but Jones is undeniably a tragic figure, full of hubris.
Ciarán O’Reilly’s highly visual and physical production makes excellent use of Bob Flanagan’s creepy puppets and vividly costumed ensemble members who simulate trees, animals and ghosts. Ultimately, the kingdom belongs to Thompson, whose grand and fearless performance will be remembered as one of the best of the year.
Acting legends Paul Robeson and James Earl Jones took on the role of Brutus Jones, and now Thompson joins that illustrious company. He and the Irish Rep have reclaimed a Eugene O’Neill classic.