Black Lives Matter

Sheepdog – Shattered Globe Theatre

Playwright Kevin Artigue writes for television and film, but his scintillating 90-minute one-act play may make Mr. Artigue a household name. The drama had its much-praised world premiere at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California, and it’s currently being given a powerful production by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit. The playwright’s created a gut-wrenching two-hander that seems to be ripped from today’s headlines. The drama is both arresting and thought-provoking, a play that moved some theatergoers to respond audibly to what they were experiencing. The play is undoubtedly bound to stimulate lots of post-production conversation among audiences.

Set in Cleveland during the summer of 2017, “Sheepdog” is about the relationship between two police officers. Amina is African-American while, Ryan, her patrol partner is Caucasian. The story, which is told by Amina, begins near the final scene but then it abruptly stops and rewinds to the beginning. Amina steps in and out of the play, alternating as its central character and narrator. We watch as the two cops guardedly fall in love, even talking about having a child together. But, while Amina truly loves and trusts Ryan, she occasionally observes something about him that makes her nervous and causes her to doubt his claim that he’s not prejudiced against African-Americans.

Smoothly guided with a knowing hand by Wardell Julius Clark, this production brims with passion, power, a creative sweep and a poetic touch that grabs the audience in its first few moments and never lets go. Mr. Clark has demonstrated his directorial talent before in so many excellent productions, such as Raven Theatre’s “Hoodoo Love;” and he’ll be helming TimeLine Theatre’s upcoming “Kill Move Paradise.” In this enthralling presentation of Artigue’s drama, Mr. Clark allows a few moments of humor to break the tension, but this is an hour-and-a-half of heart-pounding drama that will haunt audiences long after the final curtain.

The whole production is professional and polished. From Jason Lynch’s pointed lighting, to Sydney Lynne Thomas’ stark scenic design, both of which make wise, economical use of the intimate theatre space and allows for some simple, inventive scene shifts. The mood and environment is enhanced by Smooch Medina’s powerful video and projection design and original music and sound design, provided by Christopher Kriz.

And the cast cannot be topped. Leslie Ann Sheppard, whose credits include roles at Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf and Northlight Theatre, is stunning. This gifted actress dominates this play and owns the stage, doing most of the heavy lifting by serving both as narrator and the main character of the story. She controls the recounted description, told in flashback, as if she were playing a video tape. Amina periodically calls out “stop,” “fast forward” or “rewind” so the audience can participate in her character’s analytical thought process. Ms. Sheppard creates a believable young woman who’s the product of Cleveland’s rough streets, but consumed by a strong sense of justice. It’s this ethical behavior that overtakes Amina’s emotional side and provides the conflict.

Enjoyed in countless prior Shattered Globe productions, Drew Schad is Ryan, a man’s man, a macho guy with an endearing sensitive side. His character can be tough, knows how to push Amina’s buttons and win her love with just a subtle look and gentle touch. He cooks, brings Amina flowers and, with his boyish looks, can melt his girlfriend’s heart. But one night, when a tragedy occurs during Ryan’s patrol, a few seconds of poor judgment and the police officer’s knee-jerk reaction changes Ryan’s life forever.

Kevin Artigue’s riveting drama is being given a must-see Chicago premiere production by one of Chicago’s finest ensemble-driven theatre companies. Under the deft direction of Wardell Julius Clark, and starring two of the Windy City’s most talented and charismatic actors, this is a truly unforgettable theatrical experience, sadly based upon so many news stories, that support the compassionate plea that Black Lives Matter.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented January 16-February 29 by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.shatteredglobe.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.