Albany’s Black Theatre Troupe Premieres “No Place For The Man”

A new play titled “No Place For The Man” will debut at the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, New York, on October 30, 2023. Directed by Benita Zahn for the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, this production explores themes of blues music, family dynamics, and the socio-political landscape of the 1970s.

When Jean-Remy Monnay, the founder of the Black Theatre Troupe, initially approached Zahn about directing, he provided her with the script. After her first reading, she felt uncertain about the material’s depth. While she appreciated the narrative centered around blues musicians in the Mississippi Delta, she believed it lacked the complexity to challenge both her and the audience.

Determined to give it a fair chance, Zahn read the script again and uncovered layers she had missed. By the third reading, she found herself captivated by the story. She noted, “At every rehearsal, we made new discoveries. This play is so layered, it makes you realize the problems of the three characters reflect life itself. I can’t imagine someone leaving the theater and not seeing part of themselves on stage.”

The plot revolves around Jesse, a renowned blues musician who mysteriously disappears and is presumed dead. Fourteen years later, a British rock musician named Karl, who idolizes Jesse, discovers that he is alive. Karl pressures Jesse to revive his career and join his band for a concert, even as his own band faces disintegration. The situation intensifies as Jesse’s radical daughter, Della, grapples with the implications of her father’s return to the public eye.

Zahn emphasizes that the play delves deeper than just its narrative. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s—a time of significant turmoil for the African-American community—the play weaves in themes of politics, race, and identity. “It’s about love and the cost of love. Most of all, it’s about identity,” she explains. “This play illustrates that no one completely knows anyone else. You have to wonder how much we know ourselves.”

The Black Theatre Troupe aims to tell stories that resonate with people of color and other minority communities while also training actors in these groups. Zahn, a veteran television anchor and respected member of the local acting community, found her way into directing as part of her commitment to expanding representation in the arts. “Because I believe in Remy’s mission of telling stories that need to be told, I accepted this directing assignment,” she stated.

Zahn faced the challenge of proving her dedication to the cast, who initially recognized her only as a television personality. “They knew me as a person on TV. They didn’t know me as a person with a passion for theater. I had to prove who I really am,” she said. This experience reaffirmed her belief that talent is not solely defined by a resume.

The cast, comprising hardworking individuals with diverse abilities, is united in their mission to tell this compelling story. “No Place For The Man” promises to offer audiences a rich exploration of identity, music, and the complexities of human relationships.

The play will run on weekends until November 9, 2023. For ticketing and scheduling information, interested individuals can visit the Capital Repertory Theatre’s website at attherep.org.