Blood at the Root at Atwater Village Theatre

Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended

"...Headline-making real-life events propel Dominique Morisseau’s hot-button Blood At The Root, an Open Fist Theatre Company Los Angeles Premiere given electrifying theatricality by director Michael A. Shepperd, choreographer Yusuf Nasir, and a cast of gifted young up-and-comers."

On Stage Los Angeles - Recommended

"...Working as a tight ensemble the supporting players boost the over all energy with crisp and precise moves. I'm late to the party and hope that Open Fist will get the audience it deserves."

Stage Raw - Recommended

"...As with her other plays, Blood at the Root delivers its social commentary not with polemic but through the characters’ conflicts and woes. The protagonists are both individuals and a group — in the latter case, hitherto politically-unaware youngsters suddenly made cognizant of injustice and defined, for the first time, by their commitment to change — or their indifference."

Glamgical - Highly Recommended

"...Michael A. Shepperd creates a stunning and dramatic production with choreography, music, and endearing performances that explore the intricacies of intolerance, racism, friendship, and justice. Scenic designer Joel Daavid and lighting designer Gavan Wyrick add an impressive effect to the scenery, creating visually stunning elements to heighten the conflict, the danger, and the drama depicted in the script. This is a high-caliber staging that moves, inspires, and makes us think of how much progress we have achieved in our search for justice and tolerance. "