Black Bag Job

What I liked

My nerves are un’d. One of the many parts in the dialogue that stood out to me are the characters’ commentary about MLK Jr. and protestors having joy/dancing/singing despite being hosed down and treated like shit. Keep in mind, the characters are a young group, only +/- 5-ish years to the to-be-assassinated. Goosebumps galore as it set in that feeling needed is such a basic requirement, but finding purpose and being “necessary” are very different things. How we justify or negotiate to/with ourselves can cost our emotional sanity. I feel so wrenched because you want to think that you’d do “the right thing.” Ok, but what is right and what if the moral pressure comes with an obligation to your job, lack of information (or the privilege of it), and a high dose of power. It’s f’ing scary, for real. The play doesn’t solve a whodunit. It’s a way more complex and nuanced portrayal of the human condition within a sliver of time in U.S. history.
It’s the next day and I’m still wrecked but on learning mode. I bookmarked the MLK tapes, recommended IRL by the actor who played Agent Bravo (thank you):
https://themlktapes.com/

I also revisited a Smithsonian Channel episode about the tapes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqIidpUmFr8

Additionally, there is a packet of information provided to each guest. Whoever put these gems together must be a history otaku or just incredibly nerdy about theater. Or both. Kudos also to everyone behind the scenes. The execution was fantastic. I can’t speak in technical terms because this is not my industry. It was like doing a new workout and being sore in muscles I didn’t remember…but with my emotions. I will try to experience the play again with a new lens. If I know what happens, will I be immune to its devastation? I was legitimately terrified.

What I didn't like

I did not love squinting through the lights or how the sound team successfully amped me with eeriness. The timestamps on the projector were uncomfortable to log. All of it was necessary and immersive. Just go and experience it.

My overall impression

Black Bag Job is a must-see, within or beyond Hollywood Fringe Fest. I bought a ticket per recommendation by an acquaintance who introduced me to the Broadwater Theater. I’m not much for things meant-to-be, but I will say it was a rad series of events. I didn’t know what to expect, and the performance hit me like a truck. I was in recovery mode for the rest of my evening. Totally worth it. It’s a smartly written, well-performed powerhouse that I was not emotionally prepared for.