L-R Enoch King & Quinn M. Johnson in King James – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
In a city such as Indianapolis with its identity tied up with sports as its hook to attract fans, and tourism in general, a play such as “King James” couldn’t be more relevant. And the fact the drama is named after basketball superstar LeBron James and is playing in a state celebrated for its storied basketball heritage, is notable, indeed. I saw the production when it opened Friday night, January 10 on the OneAmerica Stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
L-R Quinn M. Johnson & Enoch Quinn in King James – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
One doesn’t often see plays about sports, but possessing its own share of spectacle, drama and characters, it has a great deal in common with theatre. And, in the case of this work by playwright Rajiv Joseph, the backdrop of the play is the period in James’ stunning career that begins in 2003, his first year as a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which he eventually leaves to play for the Miami Heat and later returns to his former team in 2014 and wins an NBA championship in 2016. Jame’s departure from the Cavs was traumatic for the fans and considered a profound betrayal by many. Later, however, when he returned to win the championship, he redeemed himself with Cleveland fans except for those who refused to forgive him. It is in that context that the characters in “King James.” are impacted and which drives the story.
The play is a comedy, laced with pathos, about friendship and specifically that of a white man, Matt (Quin M, Johnson), and a black man, Shawn, (Enoch King) who bond over the Cavs and specifically, James. The action is set in an upscale wine bar located in Cleveland Heights, where insecure Matt, who is troubled by his parents’ judgement regarding his lack of ambition, and Shawn, a an aspirimg writer, have their first encounter. Matt is trying to sell a pair of Cavs season tickets and Shawn, who has never attended a game, offers him $2,000 which he earns after selling a short story. Through the transaction, the two make a connection after Shawn buys the pair of tickets and invites Matt to be his guest at the Cavs games. As a result, the unlikely pair form a close friendship and affection for one another, in an awkwardly intimate relationship forged by their shared love of basketball. The plot also involves some conflict between the two, including a disagreement that is race related and which seems inevitable considering their separate acculturations and identities.
L-R Enoch King & Quinn M. Johnson in King James – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
Skillfully directed by Jamil Jude who guided the gifted duo of Johnson and King, he ensured that the two accomplished actors, who exhibited outstanding chemistry, made their characters likeable as they matched each other’s infectious energy and elan.
As always, the IRT, with its solid reputation as Indiana’s premiere theatre and one of the best regional theatres in the country, once again displayed its first-rate production values through the basketball infused atmosphere. The germane setting was created by set designer Czerton Lim, lighting design by Dawn Chang, sound design by Mikaela Fraser and costumes by Ari Fulton.
For tickets and information about “King James” which continues its run through February 9, visit irtlive.com.
