Baltimore Center Stage is currently hosting the world premiere of "Oh Happy Day!", a bold and innovative play by Jordan E. Cooper. This thought-provoking production, which runs through October 20, 2024, explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and family through a unique lens that blends biblical narratives with contemporary issues.
The play centers around Keyshawn, portrayed by Cooper himself, who finds himself in a limbo-like state between life and death. This concept of being caught between worlds is reminiscent of various religious traditions and has been explored in literature and theater for centuries. Keyshawn's mission, given by God, is to save his family from an impending flood in Mississippi, drawing parallels to the biblical story of Noah's Ark.
Cooper's previous work, "Ain't No Mo'", which had a successful run on Broadway and at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in 2022, established him as the youngest American playwright to have a show on Broadway. Like "Oh Happy Day!", it tackled social issues through a satirical lens.
The play incorporates gospel music, performed by a trio called the Divines, reflecting the rich tradition of African American religious music. This use of music to address social issues has roots in works by playwrights like Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill.
"My love is too reckless to be as simple as y'all make me"
The play delves into complex issues such as LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, gun violence, and drug addiction, grounding them in compelling family drama. The exploration of faith and doubt in theater has been a recurring theme in works by playwrights like T.S. Eliot and Samuel Beckett.
Stevie Walker-Webb, who also directed "Ain't No Mo'", brings "Oh Happy Day!" to life with imaginative staging. The collaboration between Cooper and Walker-Webb continues to push boundaries in American theater, following in the footsteps of the Harlem Renaissance artists who used theater as a platform for social commentary.
While the play's structure could benefit from some refinement, possibly by expanding the musical elements or clarifying the established rules, it remains a powerful and innovative piece of theater. The blend of magical realism, biblical themes, and contemporary issues creates a unique theatrical experience that challenges audiences to reconsider their perspectives on faith, family, and forgiveness.
As "Oh Happy Day!" prepares for its expected run at New York's Public Theater, it stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of American theater and its ability to address pressing social issues through art.