William Hartfield, Nican Robinson, Howard Johnson Jr., Nkechi Emeruwa, and Michael Wayne Turner III
Through October 15 - The Shipment at Crowded Fire Theater. Those who like their theater comfortable and easy, please look elsewhere. Young Jean Lee's 2009 play (co-directed at Crowded Fire by Mina Morita and Lisa Marie Rollins) takes no prisoners, skewering stereotypes of the black experience with wit and humor and more than a few gasp-out-loud moments. Race is front and center in Lee's innovative script, from an opening dance routine that hearkens back to vaudeville days and right into a squirm-worthy stand-up routine and then through an extended sketch populated with characters such as Grandma from Heaven, Video Ho, Crackhead John, and Record Company Executive. The final section of the play abruptly transitions into a Whit-Stillman-esque party scene, complete with a killer twist at the end that upends audience expectations. The Shipment is provocative to the max but avoids cheap gimmickry thanks to solid collaborative direction and an incredible ensemble cast, including my local faves Nkechi Emeruwa and Michael Wayne Turner III. And it's hard to imagine a more timely play right now.