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Legacy LA
Red Harlem Reviews
Stage Scene LA- Recommended
"...An intriguing truth-is-stranger-than-fiction premise (Stalin-era Soviets’ recruitment of African-American performers for a movie expose on racism in the U.S. to be shot in the USSR) and some inventively stylized staging by director Bernadette Speakes are two major pluses in Kimba Henderson’s Red Harlem. What it needs to achieve full impact is a trim."
LA Theatrix- Recommended
"...But as the play goes on, Henderson complicates the narrative by bringing in forces beyond the characters' control, pushing them into difficult decisions that showcase their complexity, vulnerability and humanity, in all its messy contradictions. When the writing drops the history lesson in favor of forcing the characters into uncomfortable places, the piece finds its stride, and ends with some profound moments of reckoning."
Hollywood Progressive- Somewhat Recommended
"...In any case, the two-act play’s treatment of this long lost true episode from film history is subject to interpretation, especially as this is such a politically charged production. In Red Harlem the quartet sail to the USSR along with Langston Hughes, who unfortunately is an offstage presence."
Stage Raw- Somewhat Recommended
"...Red Harlem’s illumination of this lesser known but intriguing chronicle from history brings empathetic characters and important themes to the stage. Paring the script and recalibrating some of the tech are worth considering."
Larchmont Buzz- Recommended
"...Overall, Henderson's writing is provocative and fresh. Some of her messaging is especially poignant, especially lines about how classicism will supplant racism, how not to settle for a life less than full and the sometimes-unshakeable status quo. Her writing showcases her extensive research. Veteran director Bernadette Speakes brings vision, precision and empowerment to Red Harlem. Casting in particular is spot-on. The play's many transitions occur seamlessly and denote location and passage of time."