The Road Theatre Company proudly present the world premiere of ROBBIN, FROM THE HOOD. Playwright Marlow Wyatt noted that “ROBBIN FROM THE HOOD was written as a creative protest to American capitalism. Any system that does not benefit the greater good of the majority must be demolished. May the demolition begin with my pen.” Director Chuma Gault also had some personal thoughts about the play: “…(a) powerful and meaningful piece of theatre…Black director, Black woman playwright, Black female protagonists, father figures, real adult relationships, and a story inspired by a euro-classical, swashbuckling tale of fighting for social equity and representation, all happening on the doorstep of perhaps the most historic election in our country’s history.”
William L. Warren and Enrike Llamas – Photo by Lizzy Kimball
The time is now, and the place moves between a simple ghetto apartment and the corporate headquarters of a huge company. Seventeen-year-old Robbin Woods (iesha m. daniels), a math genius, lives with her grandfather (William L. Warren) and is just about to get the most astounding opportunity in her short life. She and her best friend Juan (Enrike Llamas) have been selected for a work-study program in one of the country’s most prestigious corporations. She will train as an accountant under the protective wing of Margaret Brown (Geri-Nikole Love). Artistically talented Juan will spend time in the mail room in preparation for a transfer to the arts department of the company. Her life will soon change in dramatic ways, ways that she could not have ever imagined. While Robbin is overwhelmed by her magnificent surroundings and a glimpse of a life she could only have dreamed of, she still cannot fail to recognize the massive inequities that exist between her everyday world and this capitalist dream world. Can she hope to level the playing field? Is it even possible for one person to make a significant change in society? To do so, do some rules have to be broken?
Geri-Nikole Love and iesha m. daniels – Photo by Lizzy Kimball
Director Chuma Gault and lead actor daniels do a thoughtful job of transitioning this bright, impressionable teenager from eager acceptance to questioning her role in this too-good-to-be-true rags-to-riches scenario. In fact, the entire ensemble cast breathes life into each of the people in Robbins’ life. The production team also contributes mightily to the tale, including Amanda Knehans’ flexible set design, Nicholas Santiago’s lively projection design, Wendell C. Carmichael’s costumes, Derrick McDaniel’s lighting, and John Zalewski’s sound.
Rob Nagle and Geri-Nikole Love – Photo by Lizzy Kimball
ROBBIN, FROM THE HOOD abounds in ethical quandaries and never ceases to ask the serious question: Is it possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason? Audiences who enjoy people trying to find the answers to unanswerable questions will find the play fascinating and intriguing. Those who flirt with activism of all types will certainly relate to Robbin, a young woman on a quest.
Joshua R. Lamont and William L. Warren – Photo by Lizzy Kimball
ROBBIN, FROM THE HOOD runs through November 17, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Road Theatre is located in the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. Tickets are $39 (seniors $25; students $17). For information and reservations, call 818-761-8838 or go online.
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