Eden, receiving a superb staging at the Yale Repertory Theatre, is a tense, forceful family drama. The 1976 work by playwright Steve Carter, the first of his Caribbean trilogy, is set in 1927 and explores the racial conflict between Blacks from the West Indies and African-Americans, most notably from the south, in the San Juan neighborhood of New York City’s Upper Westside (now the home of Lincoln Center).
Members of the cast in a scene from Eden, a play by Steve
Carter, directed by Brandon J. Dirden. Yale Repertory Theatre, January
16-February 8, 2025. Photo © Joan Marcus.
The Barton family, immigrants from the Caribbean, is led by the exacting and rigid patriarch Joseph (Russell G. Jones). His dictates are unquestioningly followed by his deferential wife Florie (Christina Acosta Robinson) and their four children. The eldest, Agnes (Alicia Pilgrim), intelligent and practical, is seeking to become a private secretary. Annetta (Lauren F. Walker), 18-years-old, is more housekeeper than young adult. Rounding out the family are the two younger teenage sons, Nimrod (Juice Mackins) and Solomon (Prentiss Patrick-Carter).
The central conflict revolves around next door neighbor Eustace Baylor’s (Chaundre Hall-Broomfield) amorous advances on Annetta, which she flirtatiously reciprocates. The young man, uneducated and from the South is, in the eyes of Joseph Barton, an unworthy suitor. This scenario sets up an ongoing clash where youthful passions, pitted against a changing world, have dire and unexpected consequences.
Christina Acosta Robinson and Russell G. Jones in a scene
from Eden, a play by Steve Carter, directed by Brandon J. Dirden. Yale
Repertory Theatre, January 16-February 8, 2025. Photo © Joan Marcus.
Carter has fashioned a tight, well-plotted play with fully-developed characters and an intensity that can leave the audience breathless. The show incorporates a number of significant issues, including race relations, assimilation, family and generational struggles, and cultural clashes that unfold organically throughout the production.
Lauren F. Walker and Chaundre Hall-Broomfield in a scene
from Eden, a play by Steve Carter, directed by Brandon J. Dirden. Yale
Repertory Theatre, January 16-February 8, 2025. Photo © Joan Marcus.
The cast is led by Russell G. Jones as Mr. Joseph Barton. The actor is riveting as the fervent, uncompromising head of the household. Christina Acosta Robinson imbues Florie with a muted determination and inner fortitude. Alicia Pilgrim infuses her character of Agnes with no-nonsense acumen that provides a balance to the turmoil swirling around the Barton family. Lauren F. Walker gives a top-notch performance in her role of Annetta. She deftly juggles the emotions and responsibilities of a young woman coming of age within a dysfunctional family and uncertain times. Chaundre Hall-Broomfield gives a layered, subtle, but determined rendering in his role as Eustace. Heather Alicia-Simms is marvelous as Lizzie Harris, aunt of Eustace. She is sensible, world-weary and provides well-placed comedic moments. Juice Mackins (Nimrod) and Prentiss Patrick-Carter (Solomon) are effective in their small, but integral roles.
Christina Acosta Robinson and Heather Alicia Simms in a
scene from Eden, a play by Steve Carter, directed by Brandon J. Dirden. Yale
Repertory Theatre, January 16-February 8, 2025. Photo © Joan Marcus.
Under Director Brandon J. Dirden’s sturdy and penetrating guidance, the show crackles at a steadfast pace on George Zhou’s multi-level set. Ankit Pandey’s Lighting Design is at its most dramatic at the ends of Act I and II. Tojo Rasedoara provides absorbing interludes of original music.
Eden, a show not to miss, playing at the Yale Repertory Theatre though February 8. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
