1st – 18th May 2024
On arrival at the White Bear Theatre, we were presented with a study guide and invited to enter the seminar. We discovered one of Kunstler’s critics had snuck in, turned the room over, scattered rubbish from the bin across the floor and hung an effigy of Kunstler clad with a cardboard sign marked TRAITOR hanging around its neck. The muffled sound of angry protestors could be heard chanting “Kunstler is a traitor” and “Kunstler must go” from the street outside creating a tense atmosphere. The arrival of Kunstler at this educational establishment had clearly caused controversy and young law student Kerry had been given the unenviable task of facilitating the event, welcoming the students (us) and introducing Mr. William Kunstler.
“This production had almost no set, just a brilliant script and two hugely talented actors. It needed no more. One of the finest productions currently running on the London fringe.”
Famous for defending the Chicago Seven, William Kunstler was America’s leading radical civil rights activist and was loved by many and opposed by many too, spending time behind bars himself for contempt of court. “Your Honor, I’m going to say my piece right now, and you can hold me in contempt if you wish to”. He did!
Superbly written by Jeffrey Sweet, this thought provoking and highly relevant piece vividly brings to life the Chicago Seven conspiracy trial and the Central Park Five, using the lawyer’s own memoirs to get a sense of his thought process, philosophy and language. It explores the fallibility of judges and highlights the pitfalls of the judicial system and challenges us to question our faith in the state. In his programme notes, writer Sweet comments ‘At a time when America is short of heroes, I decided to write about one of my personal heroes, the radical lawyer William Kunstler. He engaged in many of the most controversial issues of the time, issues that are certainly still challenging us today.’
Highly accomplished American actor Jeff McCarthy portrays Kunstler with passion, aggression, warmth and impeccable comic timing. With his ‘Heseltine hair’ and mildly dishevelled appearance, Kunstler rolls up his sleeves and dives into a fascinating history of brutal American injustices. He stomps around the stage, taking on the roles of those who play out the infamous civil liberty cases he describes. His delivery is sharp, punchy and, at times, funny. He is hugely engaging and entertains us with insightful anecdotes mixed with the odd laugh out loud joke.
McCarthy’s performance is big, bold and oozes the confidence of an experienced Broadway actor. In contrast, the bright young law student, played by the equally talented Nykila Norman is beautifully understated. We see Kerry’s reluctance to show her own extensive knowledge of law or to offer up an opinion but her confidence grows, finally confronting Kunstler and revealing why she opposed his invitation. Norman is quiet, composed and makes a significant impact with every subtle glance or comment.
As students attending the seminar we find ourselves immersed in Kunstler’s world. We are swept up in his whirlwind and follow the highly emotive ups and downs he experiences. He addresses us collectively, speaks directly to individuals and even gives out hugs. “I’m a hugger.” We recognise the controversy and respect the opposing views but ultimately, we back him.
This production had almost no set, just a brilliant script and two hugely talented actors. It needed no more. One of the finest productions currently running on the London fringe.
Stephen Cambridge
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