Primary Trust
Attending the theater is truly exhilarating. Witnessing a live performance on stage is captivating, knowing that any missed lines can be seamlessly covered up without cutting to another scene or doing another take and that the actor must flawlessly deliver each line while standing before an audience that is sometimes only a few feet away. It's that thrill, that joy of connecting with the characters and their narrative, that brings you back for more. Primary Trust, written by American playwright Eboni Booth, is one of those plays that not only entertain but also prompt deep reflection on the themes of love and isolation. Booth's play reminds you that you have a soul, and one's life from someone you never knew can touch that soul deeply. The play delves into the emotional journey of Kenneth, an intellectually disabled African-American male who has worked as a suburban bookstore worker for over twenty years. He grapples with the challenges of adulthood, learning new information, communicating, coping, and effectively solving problems on his own. His friend Bert, who has been with him since childhood, plays a crucial role in helping him navigate the complexities of his daily life. When Kenneth receives news from his boss, a mentor who has always treated him like a son, that he must sell the business to cover life-threatening medical expenses, a deep sense of fear and uncertainty grips him. Fearing the loss of his solitary existence, he seeks solace in his beloved sanctuary, Wally's, where he plans to meet his friend Bert over glasses of mai tais—knowing that his friend Bert will provide him comfort, wisdom, and the guidance needed to face his new crossroads of life. Kenneth is a well-known fixture at this cozy tiki bar, still adorned with carpeted floors. Still, no one has ever seen Bert; his imaginary friend has been a steadfast presence for him, especially after the real Bert didn't return to his life following the loss of his mother. However, his casual meeting with a new Wally waiter, Corrina, helps him find a new opportunity at the Primary Trust Bank. Kenneth manages to live a life outside his normal isolation with the help of Bert, Corrina, his new boss Clay, and Mai tais at Wally.
Eboni Booth's Primary Trust is a love story about the mind and how tragic circumstances can sequester us from humanity but never touch the beauty of our soul to love, live, and survive. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the cast of Christiana Clark, Charles Andrew Gardner, Mike Przygoda, Fred Zimmerman, and protagonist Namir Smallwood were phenomenal. Clark's performance was exceptional as she effortlessly portrayed various characters from diverse dialects and cultures. Gardner's portrayal of Bert, the soothing and mythical imaginary friend, felt incredibly authentic, evoking nostalgic memories in everyone who had ever had an imaginary friend. Zimmerman delivered a captivating and versatile performance, while Przygoda, the on-stage musician, added the perfect touch of tiki bar atmosphere. But the night belongs to Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble Namir Smallwood and his masterful role as Kenneth. Smallwood's magnificent portrayal of an eccentric person with limitations in social adaptive behavior who alters into a charismatic individual capable of systematically handling customers with the help of his imaginary friend was endearing and enthralling.
Associate Set Designer Jackie Fox's schematic set design was adorable and added to the charm of the narrative. It beautifully depicted the city where Kenneth lived, with intricately designed buildings, and also showcased the simulated blocks within his mind, skillfully plastered on the wall. In 2023, Primary Trust debuted Off-Broadway at the esteemed Laura Pels Theatre. The play's exceptional writing and compelling storytelling earned it the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2024.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodman Theatre
Primary Trust
Winner! Pulitzer Prize for drama!
Written by Eboni Booth
Directed Malkia Stampley
Oct 5 – November 3rd
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