At Pierce College, in the hands of director Valorie Grear, The Exonerated finds an appropriate fit in the Temporary Performing Arts Center, where the smaller space creates a more intimate atmosphere, augmented by great performances from the cast.
The Exonerated is an award-winning drama written by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen, based on the six real stories of innocent citizens put on death row before being set free years later.
The play takes the form of a non-linear series of dramatic monologues told by the six convicted and later exonerated citizens.
The common thread tying their stories together, besides their eventual exoneration, is a background of oppression in their lives. Whether it is due to racism, corruption, or the flaws in institutions like the police or justice system dramatically impacts their lives.
Although the play is commendable for tackling such heavy themes, due to most of the play’s action coming from stories told by characters on stage, the messages can come across as too obvious and preachy.
When the play does succeed in handling its themes, it’s when the characters are able to articulate their experiences, and then leave it up to the audience members to decide what to make of it.
The cast and crew at Pierce do an excellent job at making The Exonerated an emotional experience. The storytelling experience provided by the play allows the actors to flex their skills as narrators and monologists.
Cliff Ingram, who plays Delbert Tibbs in the play, stands out in particular. His booming voice weaves the different stories together by reciting poetry or offering commentary, sometimes humorous and sometimes serious, but always insightful.
The performers’ skills are not entirely shocking. Some of the cast members already have experience working in theatre.
The cast has been working on the play diligently, said Chase Fulton, who plays Kerry Max Cook in the play.
“We have been rehearsing close to 20 hours a week for almost 2 months,” he said, “We explore, make mistakes, make discoveries and refine the play.”
The scenery, designed by Michael Gend, remained sparse, with only a few chairs on stage and a trio of chain-link fences in the background.
At the center of the stage lay one ominous chair, representing the electric chair during a few scenes, which cast a threatening shadow over the play.
The sound, designed by Edward Salas, further contributed to the somber atmosphere.
Music was minimal, and the music that was present consisted of bare instrumentals that highlighted the more dramatic moments of the play.
The play will continue to show Friday, March 30 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 818-719-6488.