One need only scan our daily headlines to realize, 60 years after James Baldwin victoriously debated conservative intellectual William F. Buckley during the height of the civil rights movement, that the world seems even more askew with racism and hate than ever. Thus, Timeline Theatre Company’s decision to mount the american vicarious’ Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley, a recreation of that historic event, proves to be a very pertinent and timely one.
While in the UK in 1965 to promote his third novel, Baldwin’s publicist contacted the Cambridge Union Society to see if they would be interested in having him address the chamber. Thus, a debate with Buckley, addressing the topic “Is the American Dream at the expense of the American Negro?”, was quickly arranged. That February 15th, the renowned affair was televised at the Cambridge Union with a boisterous, exceptionally attentive crowd attending.
Interestingly, director-adaptor Christopher McElroen, uses footage from the broadcast to open, close and bridge sequences here. The dialogue is also verbatim from that night, ultimately giving the piece a vibrant authenticity as well.
Therefore, queer audiences who mainly know Baldwin (Teagle F. Bougere) through his pioneering work about the gay experience via Giovanni’s Room will find his speech here to be a revelation. A powerful activist for the Black community in his lifetime, his points are beautifully poignant. Minorities, he illustrates, built the American Dream for free and, time and time again, can only go as far as the white man allows them to.
Buckley (Eric T. Miller), unsurprisingly, counters Baldwin’s emotional truths with distorted statistics and crude jokes. “What are we to do to right these wrongs?” he asks over and over again, with no true concern or empathy marring his voice.
Nicely, McElroen and the cast do not seem to concentrate on impersonation here. Bougere and Miller skillfully let the words guide them through their performances. This tells us more about the integrity and moral strength—or lack thereof—of the men they play than any overbearing accents or physical transformation could. Well journeyed as performers, these consummate professionals use their vast arsenals to clue us into the heart and soul of their characters through the dexterous use of language alone.
Overall, the immersive aspects of the piece are interesting as well, if a bit spottier in actual execution. Utilizing Cortelyou Commons, via a collaboration with The Theatre School at DePaul University, gives the show a beautiful and authentic look.
But the physical structure of the hall seriously impacts the carriage of sound. To this point, it is occasionally hard to hear some of the theater students who play supporting roles in the production. The use of the original footage eventually takes away from the theatrical aspect and sense of closure of the presentation, as well.
Still, hearing the power of Baldwin’s words in a live setting cannot be understated, and the discussions this piece is trying to manifest are as important now as they were on that blustery wintery evening all those many years ago.
Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley runs through March 2 at DePaul’s Cortelyou Commons, 2324 N. Fremont Street. More information is available at www.timelinetheatre.com.