It sounds fantastical that this woman actually sued her master for her freedom and won, yet that is the true story brought to life in this fascinating new play by Marion Zola. She has recreated the era when men in power arrogantly wrote that "all men are created equal" and this illiterate woman called them on it. As she waited on these revolutionaries they, heedless of her presence, boldly discussed their demands for dignity and autonomy against their oppressors. After enduring 30 years of arrogant domination Bet vowed to demand freedom for herself and her daughter.
Through the aid of a compassionate attorney, who was willing to risk his career in this fight against slavery, Bet stood firm. When you see this play you will be moved by admiration for her battle and disgusted to realize this was actually 82 years before Lincoln signed The Emancipation Proclamation that banished slavery forever in this country.
Heading the superb cast is Catherine Bruhier, as Bet, a gentle but indomitable spirit whose simple dignity rings true; Michael Robb, as her lawyer Theodore Sedgwick, is hesitant to risk his career yet determined to fight to the end; John Combs as her master, Colonel John Ashley, is a kindly yet self-deluding aristocrat, while Katyana Rocker-Cook, as his pertly entitled daughter, manages to make her fully human even as she bullies her captives.
Excellent in varied roles are David Westbay, Joe Clabby, Mandy Fason and Kristal Dickerson, while show-stealing Jeffrey Winner is wonderfully eccentric as bombastic opposing lawyer, David Noble.
Director Linda Alznauer does justice to this significant piece of history by capturing the equivocal mood of the times. Visual bravos to Michael Mullen for dazzling costumes and Judi Lewin for matching hair, wig and makeup credit. Producer David Hunt Stafford has a winner! At Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive in Beverly Hills. Tickets at 310-364-3606 or online http://theatre40.org. Free Parking.
