The one-man play, Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country, chronicles the writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s views on art, relationships, sexuality, his upbringing and, primarily, his life as a Black man in post-war America. Playwright Kyle Bass introduces us to a young, 24-year-old Baldwin, awaiting a flight to Paris, France in 1948 with only $40 in his pocket. He is leaving the country due to the ongoing, pernicious racism suffusing American society. The key word for the 50-minute production is rage as the character lashes out at the affronts he experiences and witnesses.
The actor James Alton ably embodies multiple characters in addition to the that of James Baldwin. Under the straightforward, unhurried direction of Joann Yarrow, Alton brings forth a jumble of emotions and moods to the stage. He handily paints a picture of Baldwin, his humor, scorn, and dignity amidst Dean Lyon’s serviceable Projection Design.
Bass’ writing can be blunt, infused with outrage and contempt. His words force audiences to confront the injustices that permeate our society today. The subtext – is our world so different from the time of James Baldwin? Near the conclusion of the show, the playwright employs repetition to fortify the contemptible state-of-affairs facing Baldwin and the country. James Alton, pacing on Kate Laissle’s minimalist Set Design, slowly, but forcefully, recites names of Black men killed for the meaningless of reasons. Asking the audience to repeat after him, the actor runs through the long list, searing the offenses into our psyche.
Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country, playing at Hartford’s HartBeat Ensemble through February 16. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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