A Review of Mandela
As live, in-person theater begins to reopen, we remember what an impressive medium it can be. Stories told with impact can help us remember significant events of years past. This is the case of a new Off-Broadway show now playing at Actors Temple Theater in New York City. Mandela is the story of the legendary leader who endured years of cruel imprisonment which helped lead to world-wide movements to bring his case to light. Nelson Mandela was representative of the unfairness of the Apartheid system that dominated South Africa. The play uses critical scenes and superbly delivered monologues to bring out the suffering and unfairness created by segregationist policies against non-white citizens of that country. However, it ends on a note of hope as Mandela’s election to President of South Africa is celebrated.
The play has a large order to fill, and it fills that order with a script co-written by John Ruiz Miranda and Yolanda Brooks. Mr. Miranda also directs this production and Ms. Brooks produces. Actors are from The East Harlem Repertory Theater and they turn in superb performances. Additionally, good quality staging and special effects add much to this fine production.
The Story is Based on History
When watching Mandela, is important to remember that this is a historic documentary being told. Memories tend to fade as years go on, but plays like this bring the events back into sharp focus. The play opens years before Nelson Mandela goes to prison to show the work that he and his group were doing with the ANC (African National Congress). Attempts are made to stay on more peaceful sides of protest. However, eventually the inclusion of guns occurs and violence breaks out. Arrests are made but the lengthy imprisonment does not occur until Mandela and his core group are sentenced for acts of treason.
Running along side of the South African story is what happens in the United States in this time period. There are a few scenes about the rise of the Black Panther Movement and the actions of the Ku Kluk Klan. Mention is made of the CIA and their involvement with South Africa as well.
Most Intensive
Some of the most intensive scenes in the show occur during Mandela’s imprisonment. The conditions he endured are shocking. Robert Greene as Nelson Mandela and Nadijah Abdul Khaliq as Winnie Mandela both give powerful performances as they recreate the couple who lost so many years of their marriage when Nelson was imprisoned. They both deliver monologues that are standout moments in the play where they trace the thinking of their characters. The monologues provide a wealth of information about what they go through during this period of incarceration and how they feel as people.
Another startling monologue is given by Warden Van Rensburg who appears to be based off of a Nazi style SS officer. John Shortt in his role as the Warden provides a forceful speech as Mandela and his fellow prisoners arrive on the unforgiving Robben Island. More understanding a is a guard, played by Tyler McCall, who attempts to give some sort of humane treatment to Mandela as he describes in a final monologue of the show.
Additional members of the acting ensemble include James R Garrett, Ivan Goris, Lamine Thiam, Thaddeus Birkett, Jaray Hunter, Keith L.T. Wright, and Arlene McGriff.
Immersive Additions to the Show
Upon entering the Theater, audiences have the option of accepting a set of handcuffs and placing them on themselves as they walk through a cleverly designed entrance way that resembles a jail. This represents solidarity with Nelson Mandela and his cause. The concept and use of this device is very moving and it opens one’s thinking immediately. NOTE: The handcuffs can be taken home as a souvenir of this show.
Video is used to identify critical moments of time in history. Footage from scenes from the time periods of the show are effectively woven into the play to give a keen note of accuracy to what the audience sees.
There are several scenes where guns come out on stage. Most of the guns seen are handguns and obviously they are theatrical prop models. If you look at them, you will see orange colored plugs in them so there is no confusion about what type of a piece they are. Audience members will feel the intensity of those moments as guns are pointed at them. If you are uncomfortable being around gun representations, you might want to get a seat further back rather than a front row.
About Mandela
Mandela has an open-ended run at the Actors Temple Theatre, 339 West 47th St. Performances are on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. For more information visit: https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Mandela/Overview and https://mandelanyc.com. Check with the Theater for questions or concerns about CoVid safety procedures.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend this play for anyone who has an interest in historic events particularly those related to Nelson Mandela. The production is powerful and well performed. If you have missed going to live shows, this is an amazing way to get back. It is a show that will stay with you for a very long time. It captures the struggles and eventual triumph of an unforgettable man and movement. But it also shows the price paid to achieve it.