In an age of visible spectacle and huge ensemble casts, “Topdog/Underdog” stands as a stripped-down but profoundly layered theatrical expertise at Actor’s Categorical. Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork roars again to life by way of a robust manufacturing led by actors Aaron Goodson and Lamar Ok. Cheston, beneath the course of Atlanta’s Eric J. Little.
With solely two actors commanding the stage for practically two hours, this manufacturing is not only a play, it’s a marathon of emotion, stamina and sheer will.
No breaks, no escape: The calls for of a two-man odyssey
“There’s nobody to cross the ball to,” says Goodson, who performs Lincoln. “You’re not solely speaking for 2 hours, you’re speaking at a heightened stage your entire time. It takes a toll on the instrument.”
Cheston, portraying the explosive youthful brother Sales space, echoes the sentiment: “You possibly can see me on stage, man. I’m a sweater. That’s actual sweat. I’m working by way of each breath, each line, attempting to catch all of it whereas staying current.”
Greater than a task, a return to roots
For Goodson, “Topdog/Underdog” is a return to his roots after time spent instructing and in voice-over work. “That is my coming again celebration,” he declares.
Cheston’s journey started in New York, however it’s Atlanta the place his hearth caught stage mild. His first Atlanta manufacturing, “Pipeline,” launched him to director Little, and his starvation for this function was plain. “I used to be at that audition at 11:00 a.m., didn’t depart until 5:00 p.m. I used to be like, ‘I’m going to get seen.’”
The band chief: Director Eric J. Little’s minimalist strategy
Little likens his function to conducting a jazz ensemble. “Suzan-Lori Parks wrote an ideal script. Generally one of the best directing is simply realizing when to let the phrases sing. Don’t add an excessive amount of. Say the phrases.”
Little’s guideline, “If you wish to be fascinating, have an interest” is obvious in the way in which his actors pay attention to one another on stage, giving the manufacturing a heartbeat that pulses with each breath and painful revelation.
Sweat, soul and struggling: The emotional toll
What makes this manufacturing unforgettable isn’t simply the strains spoken, however the silence in between, the held glances and the trembling arms.
Cheston is evident: “It’s not about attempting to cry. It’s in regards to the reality of the second. That’s when it hits.” He remembers an viewers member who sobbed uncontrollably, affected not by theatricality, however by authenticity.
Goodson agrees, including, “Our job is to permit ourselves to be affected. To be keen to bear our souls on stage. Whenever you power it, you fail.”
A masterclass in presence
Past expertise, this manufacturing calls for presence. As Cheston says, “Appearing is reacting. You’ve acquired to essentially pay attention. You possibly can’t plan it.” Goodson builds on that: “The repetition work is about placing your consideration in your associate. That’s the place the magic occurs.”
Little teaches that greatness in efficiency comes not from grandiosity however from consideration. “Be right here. That’s all you want. You’ve already acquired every little thing in your toolbox.”
Why you will need to see ‘Topdog/Underdog’
You don’t simply watch “Topdog/Underdog,” you expertise it. It’s a layered reflection on race, household, trauma, masculinity and survival. It’s additionally a showcase of what occurs when two Black males step into their full inventive energy.
“It’s a full expertise, laughter, pleasure, ache, all of it,” says Cheston.
The manufacturing runs at Actor’s Categorical till April 19.
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