What I liked
The subtleties that ”painstakingly” existed then and now. MacGuffin The NAIL. that prevents you from chilling.
What I didn't like
The blocking could have utilized more use of the stage (e.g downstage). The audience would feel more engaged, as part of the problem and/or part of the solution.
My overall impression
Brilliantly written. A period piece that applies today. The NAIL = RACISM It bothered both Harry & Sidney.
Sidney (a dark-skinned black man) feels it the moment he wakes.
Harry (a light-skinned black man) is grazed by it, the moment he swaggers into a room.
They both recognize its existence. Harry wants to get rid of it. Sidney is ok with trying to ignore problem, he even covers it up.
Once acknowledging the nail is everyone problem. They debate on who can seek and find the best tactic/tool, to deal with the “problem.” Their disagreements (to finding the solution) leads to fisticuffs. After failed individual attempts, Sidney, finally suggests, they work together to eradicate the problem.
Sidney uplifts, (the sofa) Harry deals with the nail head-on. Together they got rid of the screw (racism). It was only then; they were able to relax.
-Bravo
