Philadelphia Weekly

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Freedom Theatre's 2006 production of Daniel Beaty's Emergence-See (now called Emergence) displayed Beaty as one of America's most talented playwright/performers. Now Beaty returns with Resurrection, which makes its local premiere in a polished production from the Philadelphia Theatre Company.

An unabashedly hopeful play, Resurrection focuses on five African-American men and an unusually empathetic 10-year-old boy named Eric (Thuliso Dingwall).

Eric's father Mr. Rogers (Keith Randolph Smith) owns a store selling herbs in a predominately African-American neighborhood. Sadly, business is slow; most members of the community favor soul food over Rogers' healthy alternatives. Counted among these soul food fans is the Bishop (Jeffrey V. Thompson), a 60-year-old leader of the local mega-church and an admitted food addict. The Bishop is "a leader in the Lord's army" but the goodwill he shows his parishioners doesn't always extend to his 40-year-old son Isaac (Alvin Smith), a corporate ladder climber and closeted gay man.

Rounding out this community of men is 20-year-old 'Twon (Turron Kofi Alleyne), who overcame dyslexia and clueless high school teachers to move on to college, and 30-year-old Dre (Che Ayende), an HIV-positive ex-con who's nervously awaiting the birth of his first child.

The men face a host of obstacles, some of their own making, some a product of long-standing racial and economic inequities. But although Beaty touches on the deplorable state of public housing and urban school systems, he also challenges what he sees as unhealthy traditions in the African-American community, including poor eating habits and religiously motivated homophobia.

There's no shortage of emotional intensity in Resurrection, but there's little drama. For the most part, the characters address the audience directly in heartfelt monologues. Beaty's writing is as musical and poetic as ever and the performances are estimable. But the use of direct address diminishes the conflict between the characters, especially those in father-son relationships.

Beaty envisions a culture that eats well, stays in school and out of prison, supports local businesses and accepts homosexuality as a natural and healthy lifestyle. The issues raised are seen from a black perspective, but Beaty is clear they reach beyond racial lines.

Resurrection is well-intentioned, but it's also overly sentimental and even a little corny. Everyone favors the ideal society Beaty imagines, but fans of his Emergence-See will most likely be disappointed by this well-meaning but less satisfying effort.

Rhythm Nation

Philadelphia Dance Projects mounts its most extensive dance series to date with Philadelphia Dance Projects Presents '09, a new contemporary dance festival showcasing independent dance artists and small companies running through Feb. 28. Featuring performances, classes and workshops, the series pairs Philly artists with national and international choreographers.

It all begins Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at the Performance Garage with the playful and innovative local troupe Headlong Dance Theater debuting their collection of dances The Future of the Future. New York-based Keely Garfield Dance shares the bill. Blending dance and drama, Garfield will present two Philadelphia premieres--Limerence and First Attempt--that explore the state of the union and feature Jonathan Belcher's pioneering lighting design.