Returning to Off-Broadway in new revival
Can murderers ever truly find redemption? This is the question asked in this new revival of Stephen Adly Guirgis' 2000 acclaimed drama. Praised by both Ben Brantley of The New York Times and The Village Voice's Michael Feingold, it also transferred to the West End in London, where it was nominated for a Best New Play Olivier Award in 2003. The original production was also notable for its directing talent; the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This new production sees Ruben Santiago-Hudson take the helm.
The story focuses on a 30-year-old bicycle messenger who is languishing until trial for murder on Rikers Island, and his friendship with a seemingly innocent man, who claims to have found Jesus, whilst awaiting his own trial - for multiple murders.
Who decides innocence?
The irony of the situation isn't lost on our hero Angel Cruiz, the bike messenger who finds himself in a terrifying prison - he is himself accused of murdering a cult leader. Lucius Jenkins, the inmate who befriends him is accused of being a serial killer, but also claims to have reformed, after receiving inspiration from God. Can Angel truly trust this man's motives and claims of innocence? Conversely, Angel's own protestations of "doing the right thing" by shooting the afore-mentioned religious leader raise their own suspicions.