Detroit '67 at Blackfriars Theatre

BWW Review: Blackfriars Theatre Explores Race Riots and the Civil Rights Movement with DETROIT '67

There are few forces more powerful than that of family, friendship, love and home. These forces are mightily strong under the best of circumstances, and become even more central to our existence in times of violence, oppression, and separation. Within the context of 20th century American history, the civil rights movement of the 1960's is probably the pinnacle of violence and oppression; it's this era that acts as the backdrop of 'Detroit '67', which explores the bonds that connect us to both our friends and loved ones, but also the place we call home.

Blackfriars Theatre Presents DETROIT '67

Blackfriars Theatre's second show of its 70th Anniversary Season comes from Dominique Morisseau, one of the top ten produced playwrights of the past two years. Winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama (inspired by American history), Detroit '67 is the second installment of the playwright's acclaimed series, The Detroit Project (which also includes the plays Paradise Blue and Skeleton Crew). In 1967 Detroit, Motown music is getting the party started, and Chelle and her brother Lank are making ends meet by turning their basement into an after-hours joint. But when a mysterious woman finds her way into their lives, the siblings clash over much more than the family business. As their pent-up feelings erupt, so does their city, and they find themselves caught in the middle of the '67 riots. Ms. Morisseau is also an Obie Award-winning playwright and the Tony nominated book writer of the current Broadway smash, Ain't Too Proud, The Life and Times of The Temptations.