At the Hampstead Theatre in London, "Between Riverside and Crazy," written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, is being staged with an engaging performance by Danny Sapani. The play, which runs until June 15, casts Sapani in a contrasting role to his recent performance as King Lear. He portrays Walter ‘Pops’ Washington, a former New York cop dealing with personal and professional hardships following a racially charged shooting incident that left him wounded and impotent.
In "Between Riverside and Crazy," which originally debuted in 2014, Guirgis explores complex themes of family, systemic injustices, and personal redemption, marked by his characteristic use of sharp, racially aware dialogues. Despite the strong thematic elements, the play incorporates surprising comedic turns and plot twists, which some may find manipulative.
Under the direction of Michael Longhurst and a set designed by Max Jones, the production features a multi-layered visual environment, evolving slowly through various settings. Though there were minor performance errors, the overall vigor of the play carried the production. The cast includes Martins Imhangbe, Tiffany Gray, making her stage debut, and Sebastian Orozco, who add depth to the entangled lives depicted.
The narrative arcs set up by Guirgis allow for a portrayal of flawed characters grappling with their realities and hoping for better versions of themselves. The production mixes drama, politics, and humor with complex portrayals of race and personal histories, capturing attention with its dynamic and sometimes controversial approach. For more information, tickets can be purchased through the Hampstead Theatre's official website.