Quintessence Theatre presents “FIRE!!” showcasing 1920s Harlem in Mt. Airy.
Quintessence Theatre Company has made its return following the acclaimed world premiere of the adaptation of James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room, this time presenting the world premiere of FIRE!! by Paul Oakley Stovall and Marilyn Campbell-Lowe. This new theatrical work, developed in collaboration with the New Classics Collective, aims to reimagine the historic 1927 publication FIRE!!, which holds the distinction of being the first all-Black magazine in the United States.
The production invites audiences into a vibrant exploration of the Harlem Renaissance by showcasing staged performances of plays, stories, and poems authored by some of the movement’s most notable figures, including Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Director Raelle Myrick-Hodges seeks to create an immersive experience that immerses theatergoers in the ambiance of 1920s Harlem, starting the performance in the lobby of the historic Sedgwick Theater. Here, performers dressed in period attire—including elegant suits and flapper dresses—set the tone for a night that transports the audience back in time.
At the outset of the production, one of FIRE!!’s editors, Wallace Thurman, introduces the evening’s events, explaining that the performances serve as a fundraiser aimed at sustaining the publication. This introduction creates an energetic atmosphere, drawing the audience into the narrative. As the play progresses, the production shifts between the performances of works featured in FIRE!! and an imagined backdrop involving the editors’ efforts to engage patrons and secure funding for the magazine.
While the concept of portraying the conflict surrounding the magazine’s editorial choices is intriguing, it sometimes struggles with execution. The dialogue becomes muddled due to sound issues, particularly during moments of heightened drama, making it challenging for the audience to fully grasp the nuances of the characters’ interactions. This inconsistency can detract from the overall impact of the narrative arc.
Nevertheless, the presentation of the literary works from FIRE!! remains energetic and captivating. The performances skillfully encapsulate the spirit of Black resistance and joy, offering a glimpse into the cultural struggles of the 1920s that still resonate today. Actors such as Aaron Townsend, who portrays Aaron Douglas, enchant the audience with dynamic dance sequences, while vocalist Jordan Fidalgo delivers a compelling rendition of Helene Johnson’s poem, “A Southern Road.”
Quintessence and the New Classics Collective excel in their selection of source materials, allowing the voices of the Harlem Renaissance to reverberate powerfully on stage. While the subplot exploring the behind-the-scenes conflict may leave some audience members perplexed, the core mission of celebrating Black joy and resilience in the face of adversity is successfully conveyed.
FIRE!! thus serves as a crucial reminder of the rich legacy of Black creativity and advocacy, making it a significant cultural event. Audiences longing to engage with the voices of the Harlem Renaissance will find this production both enriching and enlightening.
This theatrical experience runs through November 2, at the Sedgwick Theater located at 7137 Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy. For further details, visit quintessencetheatre.org.
