By Holli Harms
What is the truth of war? The bottom line of it? People, average, everyday humans kill other average, everyday humans for a belief, a cause, a hope for a better world. That, better, of course, is always subjective, based on the wants and beliefs of the side you are on.
The belief that particular members of the world are inferior, that a certain political stance overrides another. Often, the beliefs center on racism, sexism, and separatism of the other. The other being those who do not share your skin color, your beliefs, your religion, secular or spiritual, your political beliefs, or your sexual orientation.
It is 1937, Madrid and the rest of Spain are hanging by a thread. The government is a fascist platform and it is exterminating, eliminating those who do not follow form. The opposing force making a last stand in Madrid, the Spanish Republic, is doing what it can to fight the Fascist backed by Italy and Nazi Germany, but they are far too small and lack the strength of weaponry to succeed. In comes the cavalry, volunteers from all over the world to help fight the Fascists. Average everyday folks who stand by a Communist belief that we are all created equal and deserve equal treatment. That there should no longer be exploitation of labor, that communities are all comrades in class. None are considered higher and none lower. All humans should be equal in the eyes of the government. Desiring to create a form of living bliss where all are viewed with the same respect and care by the government.
Photo By Pablo Calderon-Santiago
These believers traveled from around the world to another country, most of whom did not speak the language, to help that country defeat the Fascists and achieve communist bliss. This is the story told by the theatrical company, What Will The Neighbors Say? in their newest endeavor, At The Barricades, now playing at MITU580. “At The Barricades”, beautifully directed by Frederica Borlenghi, is a 100-minute reflective narrative delving into the minds and hearts of those who volunteered their time, and for many, lost their lives to a cause that was not a part of their everyday existence. They traveled by ships and any means possible to get to Spain to try and make a difference.
The American volunteers, men and women, white and black, were fighting alongside their Spanish comrades and were known as The Abraham Lincoln Brigade. This is their story and the story of the Spaniards, the Scottish, and so many others from all over the world who fought, worked, and died together to defeat fascism, to stop the tyrannical dictator Francisco Franco Bahamonde.
The play reaches back in time and asks those who fought, “What is your story?” It is riveting. The actors are all living their characters. We are caught up in the battle, in the mundane of daily life, in the constant need to lift each other with the understanding that their presence matters. They are helping the people of Spain. “Better to die standing than to live on your knees.” But it is not all fighting and pondering; there is dancing and laughter. We humans will always look for the rainbow when we can, reminding ourselves of the beauty of life.
The cast of six is a tight, marvelous ensemble. They are seamless in their depictions. Writers James Clements and Sam Hood Adrain have captured the stories, dreams, and voices that reshaped a country, embracing and lifting all of its inhabitants.
Please note: The show contains flashing lights, atmospherics, and gunshots/explosions.
What Will the Neighbors Say? presents At the Barricades
Written by James Clements & Sam Hood Adrain Directed by Federica Borlenghi
World Premiere
Cast: Sam Hood Adrain, Stephanie Del Bino, James Clements, Edu Díaz, Devante Lawrence, and Chelsie Sutherland
Creative Team: Set Design by Frank J. Oliva, Costume Design by Johanna Pan, Sound Design by Stephanie Carlin, and Lighting Design by Adrian Yuen, with Stage Management and Script Supervision by Skye Pallo Ross.
Running Time: 100 minutes with no intermission
At The Barricades playing June 12-29
MITU580 – 580 Sackett St Unit A – Ground Fl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
