The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
The Chicago premiere of James Ijames' fantastical play The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington may be considered one of the most bizarre plays you will ever see, formally accusing and charging a severe crime against America. More specifically, the mother of America, the wife of George Washington, the "Father of His Country," Martha Washington, is on trial for enslaving people and not releasing them after the death of her husband.
Unfortunately for Martha, she is ill, and with her slaves being promised freedom after she dies, they anxiously await her demise. She goes into a dream-like nightmare where she is visited by her slaves and even her husband, Geroge Washington, who is a hip soul brother who pimps into the stage during her trial. While she is on trial, many of her bondslaves relive the historical past of early blacks in America and their inhumane treatment.
Steppenwolf has brought several thought-proking plays that shock audiences with dark humor where the humanity of America has been questioned. For example, MS. Blakk for President takes us into the heart and mind of one of Chicago's most singular and radical citizens. And James Ijames's feelings against injustice can also be seen in his Kill, Move, Paradise production. This extreme and unorthodox production will undoubtedly leave audiences either walking out in hysterical laughter or shaking their heads, confused. Yet, through the complexity of this play, Ijames's message is simple. Our history of liberty and justice for all, the core message from our founding fathers who constructed our nation, overlooks that it came with a lot of discrimination and racism. IJames attacked the core of that for-all message by reminding the audience slavery was a choice America chose to enjoy.
The play is described by director Whitney White as historical facts and truth combined with imagination. The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington is a form of traditional theatrical performance, vaudevillian, rap music, and game show all round into one brilliant and bizarre performance. It takes a brilliant and bizarre cast to pull off this undertaking. The hilarious cast includes Sydney Charles, Celeste M. Cooper, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Nikki Crawford, Cindy Gold, Victor Musoni, and Donovan Session. Is this play a slap against white America? Or a tap on the shoulder to remind them of their horrific past? Ijames states that the question of this play is who gets to have freedom. And what that means from the perspective of those who are already free and those seeking freedom.
As White stated in an interview, "get ready because it's going to be different." And considering your point of view and ability to comprehend the dark humor message of The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington ― this over-the-top outrageous comedy will be deemed either a stroke of genius or another missed attempt to educate audiences about our prolific yet painful past.
Let's Play Theatrical Review Recommends The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington at Steppenwolf Theatre.
Steppenwolf Theatre
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
By James Ijames
Directed by Whitney White
September 1 - October 9, 2022
