The West Coast premiere of Home Front is presented by The Victory Theatre Center. The play is by Tony® Award-winning playwright Warren Leight. The director is Maria Gobetti.
As the US soldiers come back victorious from World War II, a new world of justice and equality is in the horizon. But as Lt. James Aurelius Walker (C.J. Lindsey) and Annie Overton (Austin Highsmith Garces) will soon find out, institutions and some sectors of society are not catching up with the times. Specially when it comes to accepting an interracial marriage.
The story depicted in Home Front is set in the 1940s, a time when segregation was rampant, specially in the South. In an effort to project a more inclusive image, the government decided to try something unusual at the time. The Navy—one of the most fervent bastions of segregation—started a controversial program to train African Americans as officers. The first group was known as the Golden Thirteen, 13 Black enlistees that were subjected to mistreatment and ridicule by their White superiors and peers. The training program was more of a publicity strategy to show the world that America could be the gold standard for democracy and equality. Our protagonist, Lt. James Walker, is a fictional member of the Golden Thirteen.
The night James and Annie meet, the country is in full celebration of the victory over the Axis powers. The future looks bright and hopeful. Their consequent romantic relationship however, unveils that America is still a victim of its past, a legacy that has turned its institutions and citizens into a voracious current that destroys everything on its path, one life at a time. And yet, in the middle of that maelstrom, we find people with a kind heart that are willing to give a hand to those in need. Edward Glimmer (Jonathan Slavin), is the injured veteran neighbor who does everything he can to reassure Annie and help James in a time when he needed it the most.
The story is an exploration not only of racism but also of discrimination. James suffers racism for being Black. But Edward is equally mistreated, even by James, for being gay. Annie, a white woman, is the unfortunate collateral victim of institutional racism and the frustration that comes with it. She is punished by her employer for marrying a Black man and she is on the receiving end when James releases his growing frustrations, all while raising their baby girl.
Interracial marriages were so unusual at the time that Annie confides to Edward that after looking at her baby girl, who has James’ Black features, a White lady asked Annie if she was raped. Those pernicious attitudes were also inflicted on Black veterans. While visiting his relatives in the South, James gets arrested and charged for an incident where he fired his gun. This situation, a clear example of institutional racism, will deliver a blow to the relationship between James and Annie. Even Edward’s noble intentions will fuel James’ bitterness, taking a tremendous tall on his emotional and mental state.
The three actors offer majestic performances. Jonathan Slavin does a phenomenal job as the understanding and charming neighbor who is always there in the most challenging times to offer his help, even willing to sacrifice his dignity for the people he loves. He feels at home delivering humor-relief lines that brighten the dark matter of the material. Austin Highsmith Garces is a fascinating and experienced actress that gives us a convincing portrayal of an unprejudiced woman willing to take risks. Her performance shows the nuances of a woman who is trying to navigate the challenging territories of love, motherhood, and broken dreams. C.J. Lindsey goes deep into the psychological state of a man who is constantly subjected to the systematic racism that degrades his worth as a human being. His acting skills are at full display when he externalizes his internal demons. The explosion of an implosion, a devastating image of utter defeat. The fine direction of Maria Gobetti is palpable in the powerful scenes where the palette of emotions create a gripping and relatable theatre experience.
Warren Leight fictionalizes documented historical events and transports the audience to a dangerous and euphoric world where high hopes and ideals get a reality check. The play is a window to a critical past that captures in unnerving detail the pungency of racism. It is a cautionary tale that shows how things would look like if we continue to move backwards. But it is also an ode to those who, against all odds, continue to fight, continue to believe.
Home Front
Written by Warren Leight. Directed by Maria Gobetti. Starring Austin Highsmith Garces, C.J. Lindsey, and Jonathan Slavin. Produced by Tom Ormeny, Maria Gobetti, and Evan Bartoletti. Presented by The Victory Theatre Center. Creative team: Set designer Evan Bartoletti, lighting designer Benedict Conran, sound designer Noah Andrade, video designer Jermaine Alexander, costume designer Carin Jacobs, dramaturg Gail Bryson, graphic designer Jennifer Logan, and photographer Tim Sullens. The stage manager is Cody Hathcock.
The Victory Theatre Centre
3326 W Victory Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
Performances: Jan. 13 – Feb. 12
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Jan. 20; Jan. 27; Feb. 3; Feb. 10
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Jan. 21; Jan. 28; Feb. 4; Feb. 11
• Sundays at 4 p.m.: Jan. 22; Jan. 29; Feb. 5; Feb. 12
Tickets: www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
