The play begins with a fictionalized encounter between Huey P. Newton, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, and a white bar owner named Trish. The setting is the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, Calif., and the year is 1978. The scene is followed by an intermission, after which the play takes a turn and the audience is shown three alternate versions of the same scene. In each version, the outcome is different, but the officer is shot and killed and Trish is arrested, along with Huey. The play then focuses on Sassy, the narrator, who attempts to uncover the truth behind the shooting.
The play itself raises some interesting questions about the Black Panther Party and the historical issues it faced. It also provides an interesting look at the relationship between Newton and Trish, which is steeped in both political and cultural differences. However, the play’s use of alternate versions leaves the audience feeling confused and unsure of what to believe.
One of the questions the play raises is whether or not the Black Panther Party was unfairly labeled as extremist and anti-American. The play’s title, “This Land Was Made,” is taken from Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land Is Your Land,” which is a response to “God Bless America.” However, the play does not provide a clear answer to this question, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions.
The play also struggles to find a consistent tone throughout. It begins as a humorous sitcom-like setup, but quickly transitions to a more serious and deadly tone. The two tones clash with each other, leaving the audience feeling uncertain about the play’s overall message.
“This Land Was Made”
is playing through June 25 at the Vineyard Theater in Manhattan. The running time is 2 hours.
