REVIEW: KUNSTLER by Jeffrey Sweet at White Bear Theatre until 18 May 2024

‘Jeff McCarthy brings the charismatic character to life’ ★★★★

The European premiere of Jeffrey Sweet’s play, at White Bear Theatre, gives an overview of the work of human rights lawyer William Kunstler. It’s a slow burn, almost seeming to be full of exposition and disappointingly lacking in cohesive story, but have patience, because it unfolds into something so much more, with a very satisfying arc and clever use of precursors.

American Jewish William Kunstler defended the ‘indefensible’, the central park five,  the Chicago Seven, and he was also involved at Attica and Wounded Knee.  If these cases mean nothing to you, it doesn’t really matter because all becomes clear as the play progresses. 

In this two-hander, tensions flare when Kunstler arrives at a university to give a seminar, siting his cases.  Here and throughout the play, sound plays a crucial part, particularly in giving a sense of the controversy behind Kunstler’s cases, with objectors braying outside on the campus to boycott his seminar.  A brilliant young black law student, who is tasked with looking after him, is clearly in conflict with Kunstler’s work and challenges him. It is at this point that the heart of the play is revealed. 

The outstanding due process speech, and debate, is touched with genius. The law isn’t always correct, clearly a deeply felt consideration by the Jewish Kunstler. How many thousands died in WW2 legally, and with due process?   It isn’t about relying on the law but about giving everyone the right to a defence.   

The playwright has drawn upon the lawyer’s own memoirs and on scenes from public record, including the trial in Chicago and Kunstler’s speeches to add authenticity.  In doing this we aren’t given a very balanced view, as it’s mainly from Kunstler’s perspective, naturally it is the second character who adds the conflict, albeit even she comes around to his way of thinking.   

Actor Jeff McCarthy brings the charismatic character to life along with a stellar performance from Nykila Norman as the student.   Certain aspects such as McCarthy’s body language, showing the power and energy of Kunstler’s personality, and appearing to have a mild stroke (Kunstler died of a cardiac arrest), gives further credence to the credibility of the play.  The play ends, not with a philosophical or political argument but with a human touch and this elevates the production. We are allowed to glimpse the man behind the legend.

KUNSTLER by Jeffrey Sweet

Wednesday 1st – Saturday 18th May 2024, 7.30pm 

The White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4DJ

BOX OFFICE

Tickets are available from £18 (£14 concessions) at

www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk 

The nearest station is Kennington on the Northern line.

Running time 90 minutes

Produced by Hint of Lime

Cast

Jeff McCarthy

Nykila Norman

Director

Meagen Fay