*** I am not a political person, so when I hear new expressions, or ones I have never understood before, I need to find answers. The Goodman Theatre is having a World Premiere of Zora Howard’s “Bust”, a story that deals with “Afrocurrentism”. I grabbed my dictionary- no answer! I went on Google- no answer! I even called my buddy who knows everything- never hear of it! As it turns out, it is something new and in the mind of only Zora Howard.

“Bust” is a play for the African American community, as it looks at their rage and just how intense it must be before they “Bust”.  This play is designed to give the Black audience something to learn from, insofar as how far one can go before they reach the limits. For the white audience members, perhaps they will get some insight into the lives of the African-American and see some of the fears that bring on the rage that is felt by them.

Sharply directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz on a magnificent set designed by  Matt Saunders, this play moves fluidly from scene to scene allowing us ample  time to connect with the characters in the story. The unique sets are in what appears to be boxes that slide in and out of place and with the lighting ( Yi Zhao) and sound ( Mikaal Sulaiman) along with some special effects (Jeremy Chernick), this becomes a special work of art rather than just another play.

In the story we find Retta(Caroline Stefanie Clay) and her hubbie, Reggie (Ray Anthony Thomas) are having a pleasant evening together. It turns out that there is an incident down the street where the police get involved. Today’s world is different than the one I grew up in. Everyone has a camera with them at all times, and unlike the old days, there is no waiting period to get pictures- no! Now they are on the internet instantly and all hell can break loose. People believe what they see even if  what they only see doesn’t tell the whole story.

This is a play that demands focus on the part of an audience. Not just because of the brilliant acting of this cast of players, but also because the story is both funny ( at times, hysterical) and dramatic ( at times very thought evoking). Trent ( played to perfection by Cecil Blutcher) is our main character. I try not to give away anything that is part of the plot, but can tell you that this young man has a run-in with the police officers (Jorge Luna as Ramirez and Mark Bedard as Tomlin and Jack).

His scenes with Mr. Woods ( deftly handled by Keith Randolph Smith) are worth the price of the ticket. The dialogue, the interactions and the staging are mind-boggling. You might be asking yourself if Trent has gone to heaven, or perhaps, even hell ? Is Mr. Woods the Devil or perhaps, God? Perhaps he is just the concept of the brain sending messages to the young man, but I will tell you the conversation between these two characters will truly open your eyes.

The ensemble bringing this story to life, as mentioned is a pure delight. They are: Bernard Gilbert, Caitlin Hargraves, Victoria Omoreggie, Ivan Cecil Walks and Renika Willimas-Blutcher. I always say that as strong as a script is, and as dynamic and creative the director, it is the actor taking those words, and putting them to use that makes the story seem credible and real. This cast, under the direction of Blain-Cruz does just that. The costumes (Dominique Fawn Hill) and fight choreography ( Rocio Mendez) as well as the music composed by Julian Davis Reid were the crowning touches to making for a marvelous two hours of theater.

note: One of the things that I find troublesome ( at least for me) is the overuse of the “N” word. I understand that this is part of the culture, or should I say, was, but I would love to see this word used much less than in this play.

“Bust” will continue Thru – May 18th with performances as follows: