I attended the opening night of the World Premiere of the play “Safe House” at Playhouse in the Park.
I was interested in this play because of its roots to the area.
Safe House, Keith Josef Adkins’ moving and surprising drama exploring a little-known chapter in our region’s history, is the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 71st world premiere production. Adkins is a Cincinnati native who grew up in Woodlawn and attended both Princeton High School and Wright State University. Inspired by his Kentucky ancestors, free people of color, Safe House is set in Northern Kentucky in 1843 — nearly two decades before the start of the Civil War. It’s not a story about slavery, but rather an exploration of the fascinating journey of a free family of color and the searing tensions that arise when two brothers have conflicting dreams about securing their futures.
The storyline of a family who was free, and the tension of the cast as they tried to navigate relationships, was really interesting to watch unfold.
The story built slowly in the first half and the 2nd half left you fully engrossed because of what transpired.
I don’t want to give away any key parts to the plot but I thought the play was very thought provoking.
After the play, my friend and I attended the cast party at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
It was such a reminder of how far we have come and how much work there remains to be done.
Safe House runs through November 15th
For tickets, call 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com.
Advisory: Safe House is appropriate for adults and older teenage audiences. There are references to the evils of slavery, mild adult language and other mature content.
* All photo credit goes to Sandy Underwood
Disclosure: I was given tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.