The OK Trenton Project

I love going and supporting theatre. One thing that I love about it is when there’s a connection to the community. It makes the experience even more personable. If you have never been to a Passage Theatre Company production this is your push to do so. I attended The OK Trenton Project and this is the review.  This is written by David Lee White, Richard Bradford and the members of the OK Trenton Ensemble. The director is C. Ryanne Domingues.

Reception Prior to The OK Trenton Project

Passage Theatre Company welcomed their patrons with wine, water, and more prior to the show. It was one of the warmest welcomes I had received in theatre. I was able to meet a lot of the community members, board members, and those hands on with this production. For live theatre, this was refreshing and welcomed. Staff were hands on making sure everyone was comfortable. Everyone had to provide Covid-19 vaccinations or a negative test.

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What is The OK Trenton Project?

In August of 2017 there was a Helping Hands display that was placed in a vacant lot. This display caused an uproar in Trenton as some accused the display to be associated with a gang sign. As with all politics of office there was questions on who ordered it to be taken down. Questions upon questions only lead to everyone “passing the buck” and leaving the students who created it even more dismayed. Another layer to this is why is it when things that are done to uplift People of Color that there’s always an added layer to if its acceptable or not. This production was documentary style that included real audio, tweets, etc. from the members of the Trenton community.

True Story

What I loved about this production was that the names weren’t changed. All of those that were interviewed had their identities on full display. A lot of them feeling strongly on having the Helping Hands display stay. The cast comprises of 5 actors/actresses. Kevin Bergen, Rich Bradford, Carmen Castillio, Molly Casey Chapman, and Wendi Smith all did an amazing job bringing the story to life. I attended the opening night over the weekend and it included various people who were interviewed and that made it even more real.

Engaging Dialogue

There was a lot of emotion that was on full display. The OK Trenton Project had mixed reviews. Many of whom agreed that it should have never been taken down. This production took 4 years to develop and bring to life save pandemic time. The wonderful parts of The OK Trenton Project was seeing how passionate those in the community were about the Helping Hands. There is a lot of similarity with stories like Trayvon Martin and more when it comes to the response to community members over issues in the Black community. These students who had never had experience building anything prior worked hard. This piece was then taken down because someone else considered it wrong. It’s always someone who thinks the things that are in the Black community is “too.” Too ghetto, too loud, too misunderstood, etc. It’s exhausting.

Why is it someone can look at something and demean it without even engaging in what or why it’s valid?!

Things to Keep in Mind

The OK Trenton Project is really a personal story that not only separated a community it brought them together. Passage Theatre Company is well known to keep the stories that they portray well within the communities. This is amazing. Stories of Trenton with the people of Trenton without capitalizing off of these shared experiences. There is a sense of honor and decorum while allowing the power of story telling to be at large. There were moments when I shook my head and other moments where I wanted to clap etc. 

The OK Trenton Project production is happening now until February 27, 2022. The Passage Theatre Company is located within the Mill House Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton, NJ 08611. If you are traveling from Philadelphia like I was, you can get there less than an hour. Parking was easy and nearby. Come prepared to hear and be apart of the story of this documentary.

Thank you to the staff, performers, community members of Trenton and of the OK Trenton Project for having me. Also thank you to Bryan Buttler Media Relations for the invitation. Tickets are available now as in person and limited virtual tickets.