Rep Stage’s first play of their 16th season highlights a true American patriot — although it may not seem like it at first.
The theatre-in-residence at Howard Community College is presenting “Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted,” playwright Christopher Trumbo’s story of his father, screenwriter and self-proclaimed Communist Dalton Trumbo. The writer was blacklisted in Hollywood and imprisoned after his refusal to provide information on the Communist party to the House Un-American Activities Committee.
“The question at the core of the play is, ‘What kind of American do you want to be?’ People, trying to be patriotic, went along with the what the government told them they should believe,” director Steven Carpenter said. “Trumbo decided that to him, being a patriot meant standing up for his rights.”
Michael Stebbins, Rep Stage’s Producing Artistic Director, said that “Trumbo” is a great way to start the season. “We observe one man’s identity — his livelihood as well as his name — taken away from him. Based on Trumbo’s actual letters during this period of his life, we have the chance to savor his wonderful skills as a writer and admire his humor, strength and his hope that right will prevail.”
Most of the play is composed of letters that Trumbo wrote to family, friends and business acquaintances. “The strength of his writing, how beautiful his language was, is phenomenal. That’s the first thing you think of — how inspiring a writer he could be,” Carpenter said. “For a generation who didn’t really know who he was other than his movies, the play really brings a lot to light about his struggles.”
“Trumbo” is mostly a narrative, with very little character interaction or dialogue. Carpenter wanted his interpretation to be a little more audience-friendly. “I didn’t want one person at a lectern and another at a desk. I wanted to make it vibrant, and active, so it wouldn’t become boring,” he said. “I knew that I wanted to keep it away from two people just standing there.”
Helen Hayes Award-winner Nigel Reed portrays Trumbo, while actor Jonathan Watkins portrays Christopher, the narrator. “I wanted an actor who could embody Trumbo, to go to a certain length to recreate his look,” Carpenter said. “And rather than just have an actor saying the words written by Trumbo, we wanted to create and develop his character.”
IF YOU GO
Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted
Where: Rep Stage, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through September 28
Tickets: $15 to $25
Info: repstage.org
