By Katrina “Kat” Reynold
A SOLDIER’S PLAY presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through February 15th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
As its first production of the 2026 calendar year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is bringing audiences the 1982 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama: A SOLDIER’ PLAY by Charles Fuller. Set in 1944, this murder mystery unfolds on an Army base in the segregation-era South. Boasting suspense and an unfiltered look at prejudice and resentment, this tale is one for the ages.
Director Christopher V. Edwards has not only gathered one of the best ensembles in theatre history, but has done this intriguing script justice in its staging. Scenic Design by Jon Savage is functional and just plain impressive. Without spoiling, Mr. Savage implements a creative playing field for “flashbacks” while giving the set itself multiple levels for the actors to use. Lighting Design by Jessica Drayton and her assistant Kassidy Schley is impactful and complements both the set and the mood of the play perfectly.
If you read my reviews (and everyone you know needs to read my reviews), you will know how fond I am of a solid ensemble of performing artists. Cincy Shakes is one of the best at gathering such an ensemble and this one is aces. Each and every actor has a wonderful opportunity to shine with this script. Performances of particular note are those of “ranney” as opportunistic Pvt James Wilke; Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as conflicted Tech Sgt Vernon C. Walters; Montez Jenkins Copeland as lovable Pvt CJ Memphis; and Jay Wade as reluctant Pvt Tony Smalls. Bravx to all!
Like so many productions from smart theatre companies, A SOLDIER’ PLAY is (unfortunately) still relevant decades after its publishing and even more decades after its timeline placement. Prejudice exists at many levels and assumptions are at its core. Further, the expression “hurt people hurt people” comes to mind as I think about the content of this incredible text. Make no mistake: there are beautiful moments of camaraderie and celebration in Mr. Fuller’s masterpiece – but the hate rears its ugly head and dims the light on those snapshots. The arts can be an ideal teacher during these times and particularly as we acknowledge the importance of Black History Month, can we not take the lessons learned into every day with us? As a person of privilege due to the colour of my own skin, I say with all my heart: I see you, I hear you, and I will do better.
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 