Review: 'WHAT THE END WILL BE', Presented By Three Bone Theatre

WHAT THE END WILL BE...
 

This week, I had the opportunity to see the critically-acclaimed stage play, “What The End Will Be...", written by playwright Mansa Ra, who earned an M.F.A. in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama, and directed by James Webb. I consider theatre an excellent and safe platform to address complex and sometimes traumatic topics that are challenging to deal with in everyday conversations. As a long-tenured playwright, I have utilized theatre to discuss topics that critically-impact a nation like my domestic violence awareness stage play, “A Change Is Gonna Come” and I addressed the unequivocal treatment of homeless neighbors in my musical, “The Gift”. I render this shameless plug to emphasize that I completely understand the effects of sending forth a life-changing message wrapped in an entertaining and more susceptible environment, as in this case,  a close-knit black box entitled “The Art’s Factory, presented by a independent woman-led theater company named Three Bone Theatre (TBT).  TBT's mission is to “to use great theatre as a catalyst for conversation and change in our community”.  Undoubtedly, their mission was achieved in the pungent, "in-your-face" storytelling of three African American guys grappling with the nuances of sexuality, socialization, and parenting.

There was a lot of baggage to unpack in this effervescent tale of three generations of Black men.  First, I would like to applaud Mansa Ra for having the courage to tackle what some may consider a controversial topic…Euthanasia, sometimes referred to as “assisted suicide”, the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy. Mansa captures this topic through the character, (Bartholomew), an ailing Vietnam Veteran, portrayed brilliantly by actor Tim Bradley. I have seen Tim perform in several local productions and I am always in awe of his versatility…his ability to deliver humor effortlessly and then code switching emotions to a dramatic moment without hesitation. His dramatic portrayal of an elderly father diagnosed with terminal Cancer, who has made a decision to end his life rather than suffer the debilitating stages of Cancer was very heartfelt.  The other controversial topic embedded in Tim's character is the brief overcast of the "down low" aspect defined as a person concealing a homosexual lifestyle in a heterosexual relationship/marriage.  Although the woman in the relationship is not physically displayed on stage, the mention of her caused me to see the dangers associated with the concealment of such an important fact and the hypocrisy of  Bartholomew's morale character, while questioning what other "secrets" he could possibly be hiding.  Indiscretion of any kind could lead to negative and, in some cases, deadly consequences.  

The other aspect to unpack is how these three men, The Kennedys, (a clever name assignment)  are impacted by the generational transference of traits instituted by the fathers that impacted and shaped the lives of the sons...therefore validating the concept, "Like Father, Like Son".  So many similarities...two "gay fathers"  and a son/grandson who has now "come-out" and revealed  that he too is living that lifestyle. The elderly father, Bartholomew (Tim Bradley) left his son, Matthew (Marvin King) during his teenage years and it appears that Matthew currently harbors some resentment because he now has the responsibility of being the caregiver for his ailing father.  He medicates that resentment in the excessive use of alcohol.  I have often stated that bleeding hearts (hurt) bleeds on others and manifests its characteristics in anger and emotional attacks towards others.  Matthew validates my philosophy by his cantankerous and sometimes violent attacks on his son, Tony, (Dionte Darko) and his emotional avoidance and belligerent behavior towards his partner, Charles (Victor Kuchmaner).  Charles spends his time being the arbitrator between Matthew and Tony with very little success. 

Another aspect to unpack is that both Matthew and Tony seem to have abandonment issues.  Not much history is given on Bartholomew's parentage so there is no point of reference or comparison to access the origin of his abandonment.  Matthew experienced physical abandonment due to his father Bartholomew's estrangement from a heterosexual marriage to pursue his homosexual lifestyle. His departure may have caused Matthew to become emotionally void of a father's love...causing the inability to truly express loving affections to his partner, Charles, or to his son, Tony.  Although Matthew appears to be physically present  for Tony, it is clear that his unresolved issues with his father, has prohibited him from being mentally available for his son.  His overbearing tactics has produced and transferred rebellion and angriness to his son, Tony.  Unbeknowst to Matthew, Tony has adapts the same homosexual lifestyle his grandfather and father, with his boyfriend, Antoine (Steven Longayo).  

Drama!  Drama! Drama!  The only positive light for me in this entire maze of drama was the caregiver, Chloe (Mariana Corales) whose entire mission was to support Bartholomew's decision to end his life and to make him as comfortable as possible.  She had no motive, hangups, or "dog in this fight".  She was simply doing her job and doing it well.  Her bright disposition was a far cry from the disrespect, malice communication, chokehold behavior the men around her displaced.  None of the men had any advantage over the other (they all had their own flaws and innuendos) and neither could point the finger at the other; yet they were pointing.  All were in the same boat with different oars.  

In spite of my own beliefs and biases, I did find What The End Will Be...", to be a well-written script and well-adapted for stage.   The set design was approbable and well-crafted for the storyline.  All-in-all, it is a good conversation piece that caused me to explore differrent aspects of lifestyles and the myriad of issues that are common; yet uncommon.  The message was relayed loud and clear.  Crystal Clear...in fact.

For More Information About Upcoming Productions Visit Three Bone Theatre On Website:  http://www.threebonetheatre.com