Bonez was exhilarating, compassionate, jarring, and timely. It is the best show I’ve seen all year. I left feeling sad, motivated, and hopeful all at the same time. Bonez follows 4 black men as they convene for what they believe is dominoes game. What ensues is a challenge on masculinity, community, and childhood demons.
Before you go to People’s Light to see Bonez
This is recommended for ages 16 and up. I agree wholeheartedly to the recommendation. There are adult themes, language, and an element of horror. Get to the theatre at least 20 minutes before the start of the show. If you’re able come and dine at The Fern and Fable. The food there is excellent. The show is approximately 90 minutes long with no intermission. There is so much nostalgia so don’t be late.
Bonez and the Church Community
As in the introduction of this review the men struggle with childhood demons. As soon as you say the word demon, the church folks start clutching their pearls. There is a depiction of a demonic force. However as you will see the production team take it to another level it’s no different than you and I. We all struggle with something whether we acknowledge it or not. Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III this illustration is exactly what we need to see.
I liked how the use of “other gods” is displayed. As a kid any form of African statue wouldn’t have been acceptable in my home. The depiction of them represented spirits. In my home I was taught to stand clear of them. The use of them is symbolic of that very thought as well. Although would be cringe worthy to some I saw it as using something that many would turn their noses to as a key in the deliverance that was needed.
Masculinity in the Black and Queer Communities
We all know or should know by now that the Queer community is always under attack no matter what color you are. In the black community it’s timed by a thousand. You will see many in the Black community they see queers as a disrespect to what is expected. Many boys of all colors are taught to be strong and not show emotion. In the black community it’s exasperating because it’s tied to a black man’s survival.
Where black men are more likely to be ostracized over their sexually it is also dangerous. During Bonez, Trey (played by Keith Wallace) who is open about his sexuality has to constantly correct the many layers of masculinity factors. The correction of their conversation and attitudes is damning. What safe spaces are we creating for black men specifically to simply be?! This question isn’t answered. It is a think piece all of its own. Take it with you as you leave. Do something with it in your circles.
Misperceptions in Bonez
Bonez hits every misconception right on the nose. From Remello (played by Eric Robinson Jr.) of a single dad who couldn’t possibly love his kids. The stereotype that black men are doting to their kids was felt. As a society what have we contributed to men being fathers?! If they are too engaged then they must be on “the other team.” If they are queer and gay then they are a risk to raising children. When you see a black man raising his family he’s either applauded like a monolith or side eyed and treated with suspicion.
Is every black man problematic?
I think about Derek (played by Elijah Jones) as a college student at NYU. Yet if you were to see him he would be considered a thug. Black men are more likely to be imprisoned more than any other race. The fact that bad cops exist and their zealous actions to demonize black men are on display every day. Then there’s struggling actor, PJ (played by John Clarence Stewart. Seemingly trying to find his way and provide a living his story struck me. His fathers words hit me hard as a mother raising a black boy.
If a child specifically a boy child is too sensitive what happens. He can’t cry, show emotion, or even experience a joy without condemnation. Every emotional pull that PJ had struck me the hardest.
Personal Commission
People’s Light has been known to showcase their productions as an in home viewing. No word if this play will be offered the same. What I do know is this needs to hit every world wide screen. The after show talkback reconfirmed my very own experience. At first I thought I was being deep while watching. But that goes to show that Steve H. Broadnax III did his job as a director. He brought me into it and it hasn’t left me since I saw it late last week.
Giving the Actors of Bonez their Flowers
The actors in this production deserve their flowers. One I was already impressed by their resume. These are men of excellence. Secondly these men are all good on the eyes. Two of them are fellow Penn Staters. And lastly their range in bringing every emotion possible to make this production my absolute favorite didn’t go unnoticed. I review so many during the year that I’m confident this one blew every last one out of a running if there was one. That “knock” was intense in all aspects! Thank you to the entire staff and production team at People’s Light for having me. A special thank you to En Route Mrktng for having me as well!
