T'he Last
Revolutionary
Writer/director Levy Lee Simon is returning to the
National Black Theatre Festival with "The Last
Revolutionary." a two-character tour de force staged
reading that explores both contemporary and yester
year political issues.
The play is set in modern-day New York City,
where Mac Perkins is planning
a reunion of members of The
Black Grenadiers, who decades
earlier stood for justice and
Black power. Perkins has set
his sights on reorganizing the
Grenadiers so that members
can counter threats against
President Barack Obama.
His plans hit a snag when
only one former Grenadier,
Jack Armstrong, shows up for
the reunion. The men hash out often dueling political
ideologies, as Jack attempts to make Mac see that his
cause and methods are archaic. During their interac
tion. secrets are exposed about both men personally
and politically that lead to a life and death confronta
tion.
"The Last Revolutionary," presented by
Hollywood-based Jazz Lion Productions, has star
power. Antonio Fargas, best known for his role as
"Huggy Bear" on "Starsky and Hutch." stars alongside
Erik Kilpatrick, a veteran of stage and screen.
Fargas, a longtime supporter and NBTF attendee,
began acting in the 1960s and had made memorable
appearances in films like "Shaft," "Foxy Brown."
"Conrack" and "Cleopatra Jones" by 1975. Still in
demand. Fargas' recent work includes a recurring role
on "Everybody Hates Chris."
Kilpatrick has acting credits that stretch back to
the early '70s. He is best known for playing Curtis
Jackson on the series "The White Shadow." His film
credits include "New Jack City," "Deep Cover" and
"Hoodlum." He is now a major writing and directing
force at New York's Negro Ensemble Company.
Levy Lee Simon last brought "The Bow-Wow
Club" to the NBTF in 2007. A screenplay adaptation
of that play has reportedly been optioned by 3ctor
Forest Whitaker's production company. His other
credits as a playwright include "God. the Crackhouse.
and the Devil" and "For the Love of Freedom."
$25
Embassy Suites -
Gaines
Wednesday,
July 31
and
Thursday,
Aug. 1
at 3 p.m.
Fargas
Kilpa trick
Simon
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