Life goes on
Shit happens; then life goes on. While this could describe the plot of any August Wilson play, it is most apt for Jitney, now playing at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Set in 1977 Pittsburgh, the action takes place in an unlicensed cab company (“jitney”). The place is run by Becker (Chuck Patterson), a retired man from the mills. The men who work for him are there to either scrape up a living, or supplement other income. This is a poor area, and the people in it lead rough lives. Youngblood (Shane Taylor) is a Vietnam vet who is trying to make ends meet so he can buy a decent house for his 2-year-old son and girlfriend (Tymberlee Chanel). Becker’s son (Darryl Theirse), who has spent the last 20 years in prison for murder, is being released the next day. Fielding (Ernest Perry Jr.) lost a lucrative position because of his drinking habit. And so on …
What we see on stage is life — though we have the plot arcs of the relationship between Becker and his son, as well as Youngblood’s financial and familial struggles, the soul of the show is community, specifically between African-Americans in the ’70s. Slice of life is Wilson’s trademark, and Jitney is the strongest production of his I have seen. Witty, touching, and with the final answer that, yes, life goes on.
The cast is a true ensemble. There are no “leads” here in the traditional sense. Timothy Douglas directed a cast that meshes into a cohesive unit and, as a group, the actors present an exceptional performance.
Scenic designer Tony Cisek creates a visual metaphor in his road-steps, and the set includes a 1963 Cadillac Coupe Deville (courtesy of Robert Marks).
Jitney continues at the IRT, 140 W. Washington St., through March 6. Call 635-5252 for reservations or go to www.indianarep.com.
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