‘Home’ @ Jubilee Theatre
—Rickey Wax
Home is where the heart is, but for Cephus Miles it’s also where life’s trials and triumphs unfold, grounding a deeply affecting story of survival and redemption in this Jubilee Theatre production. Samm-Art Williams, the brilliant playwright behind Home, brings a personal touch to this work, informed by his own experiences growing up in the South. Born in North Carolina, Williams’ journey-—from an actor and playwright in the Black theatre movement to a television writer for shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin—gives him a unique voice that blends humor, drama, and cultural authenticity.
His deep roots in African American storytelling are apparent in Home, which first premiered in 1979 at the Negro Ensemble Company before moving to Broadway, where it earned critical acclaim and several Tony Award nominations. Williams' ability to capture the nuances of rural Southern life and the universal search for belonging is what makes this show an enduring classic.
The minimalist set (Yajaira Rosales, Jennye James, Colin Schwartz)—a wooden rocking chair, a painted cornfield, and a few props—is a fitting reflection of the rural simplicity that frames Cephus’ world. It allows the focus to remain squarely on the actors and the emotional weight of the story. Lighting (Bryan Stevenson) is used effectively to signal shifts in time and place, creating stark contrasts between the open fields of North Carolina (bright amber hues) and the harsh realities of city life (dimly lit blue). The changes in lighting and the subtle sound design (Ryan Simon) heighten Cephus’ emotional journey, underscoring his moments of despair and joy with precision. Costuming (Hope Cox, Isaiah Christopher-Lord Harris) also plays a crucial role in anchoring the characters within their respective contexts. From Cephus' high waist britches with farm boots in his early years to the slick urban attire of his city life, the costumes subtly emphasize the shifts in his environment; the silk red robe worn by Woman 2 was my personal favorite.
The play begins in the rural town of Crossroads, North Carolina, where Cephus Miles grows up. He is a simple, good-hearted man, content with his life on a farm inherited from his family. He seems to have everything he needs and even a beautiful, sanctified woman named Pattie Mae Wells to share it with. Unfortunately, Pattie Mae informs Cephus that she needs a proper education and is sent off to the city to pursue her studies. Devasted by this news, Cephus’ life takes another unexpected turn when his pacifist beliefs lead him to refuse to fight in the Vietnam War. This decision leads to a prison sentence for draft dodging, altering the trajectory of his life.
After his release, Cephus returns to a world that no longer feels like home. The woman he loves, Pattie Mae, has married someone else, and the land that was once his refuge is taken from him. Disillusioned, Cephus heads north to the big city in search of a fresh start. But life in the city proves to be even more challenging for a simple farm boy.
Cephus finds himself working odd jobs, struggling with poverty, and falling into a life of despair. As he spirals into a life of crime and self-destruction. Cephus cries out to God—but as he puts it, “He’s away on vacation in Miami.” The uphill battle begins, as we wait to see if our beloved protagonist can make it out of the big city— or if it will eat him alive.
In her directorial debut, Kris Black Jasper’s choice to keep the production simple—both in set design and in the movement of the actors—is a wise one, as it foregrounds the beauty of Williams’ writing. Poetic dialogue becomes the driving force of the play, and the actors’ performances were the instruments through which that poetry is felt. The play uses a non-linear storytelling style with humor, music, and direct audience address to explore the emotional and spiritual struggles of Cephus’ life.
Gabriel Hill (Cephus) gives a powerful performance that is both grounded and heart-wrenching. He captures the youthful optimism of a man who believes in the goodness of the land, family, and God, and contrasts it with the bitterness that develops after he faces the harsh realities of city life. The contrast makes Cephus’ struggle to return to his roots all the more stirring. Ashley Anderson (Woman 1/ Pattie Mae Wells) and Kyra McNeil (Woman 2) play their characters with great nuance and flexibility. They serve as both companions and symbols of Cephus' changing circumstances. Their fluidity added layers of depth to Cephus’ emotional landscape, making the story feel both personal and mythic.
In the end, the play delivers a message of hope—that no matter how far one strays, there is always a possibility of return, a possibility of finding peace. Cephus Miles’ story reminds us that "home" is not just a place, but a sense of self, and a state of being.
WHEN: September 27-October 27, 2024
WHERE: 506 Main St, Fort Worth
WEB: www.jubileetheatre.org
