INTERVIEW: ‘Amerikin’ and the necessity of theatrical discomfort
Photo: Amerikin stars Daniel Abeles as Jeff Browning. Photo courtesy of Justin Swader / Provided by Print Shop PR with permission.
NEW YORK — Amerikin is the new play by Chisa Hutchinson, now running in a Primary Stages production at 59E59 Theaters in Midtown Manhattan. The show, one of the best reviewed of the off-Broadway season, is a difficult but necessary watch, providing audiences with a dissection of racism in the United States. Performances continue through April 13.
The play follows the main character of Jeff Browning (Daniel Abeles), a white man living in a small house in Maryland. He’s had some struggles with his wife, Michelle Browning (Molly Carden), but there’s new hope on the horizon with the birth of a new son. Still, problems persist. Michelle has signs of postpartum depression, and she would rather not hold her child. Meanwhile Jeff is undergoing a genetic test to ensure he’s 100 percent white; the reasoning is because he’s about to join the local chapter of a white supremacist group.
There are many other revelations in Amerikin. The second act, for example, introduces two new characters, Gerald Lamott (Victor Williams), a Black journalist who is interested in learning more about Jeff and some particularities of his story. He has headed out to this part of rural Maryland for an interview, and he’s brought along his daughter, Chris Lamott (Amber Reauchean Williams), an aspiring journalist, to learn a few lessons.
Hutchinson is definitely a playwright to watch. This show, one of her strongest, is a brave, profound and challenging work that pushes the audience into uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. It’s visceral theater, brought to life by a talented cast and the strong direction of Jade King Carroll.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Abeles about his new role. He has appeared in plays at Soho Rep, Ensemble Studio Theatre and Rattlestick, among others. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When you first read Amerikin on the page, what was your response?
I was very intrigued. Chisa is doing something bold, and I wanted to be a part of it. This play challenges the actor, the audience and at times, the average structure of plays themselves. I was originally asked to audition for a different role, but after reading the play, and being a new dad myself, I asked if I could read for Jeff. I wanted the try my hand at portraying this guy.
How difficult has it been to portray this man? He has some horrible attributes.
It’s not … easy. But like with any character, my goal is to find parts of him that I can connect with. For me, that’s mostly about his newborn son. He’s doing what he thinks is best in order to provide a better life, and unfortunately, it’s not the best choice. If he were somewhere else, under different circumstances, I don’t believe he’d go out of his way to join a hate group. But as it is, he thinks what he’s doing is the best path forward. Of course it’s not. And he doesn’t realize that before it’s too late. But I think Jeff is a complicated guy with feelings and love — he’s not pure evil at all.
Fortunately, Chisa puts a lot of humor in the play. And that’s helpful for us on stage and hopefully for the audience to latch on and ride this crazy train.
Do you feel that the show helps us understand some issues that are present in 2025?
I hope so. Chisa is investigating the human aspects of racism and how it forments. It’s not an easy task — for everyone in the theater. And she’s brave to ask us to watch and appreciate that.
And though some characters are less offensive than others, no one is perfect — and that’s OK, that’s real. I think if we can see how and why the characters’ lives are shattered because of Jeff’s need to join the World Knights, we can hopefully see how perhaps our own passivity can lead us and our community down a path to terrible places. This play is a reminder and a warning — hate exists. But love does too, and we can all be better at loving.
What’s it been like working with director Jade King Carroll?
Jade put together a great cast and ran a fantastic rehearsal room. We all just got along really well, and despite the immense amount of work, we had so much fun and bonded really quickly. That’s a testament to her. She had a lot to figure out technically as well, especially with the “magic” in Act II. But Jade knew what she wanted and had fun with everyone while getting us there. Plus, she likes my lame dad jokes (or at least pretended to), so that was nice.
There are some shocking revelations in the show. What has the audience reaction been like for the first few weeks?
The audience reactions vary a lot. Sometimes there’s laughter throughout (which is great because the play definitely has its funny moments). But mostly I think they’re uncomfortable. And they should be. This is not a Rockwellian portrait of the ideal American family. It’s never the same. I don’t know. Maybe some folks feel complicit. Maybe they’re filled with rage. And maybe they just don’t how to feel. Or they don’t realize why they’re uncomfortable. Chisa is asking them to investigate that.
What do you see as the motivation for your character to talk with a journalist about his personal life?
Jeff opens the door because Gerald says he knows Alma [a neighbor] and is there to help. I think there’s also something in Jeff that wants these people to not stand at his front door for too long. Someone could see, which wouldn’t be good. Once they’re inside, Jeff quickly learns that Gerald is a journalist and can possibly help him more. At this point, Jeff is in a desperate, destitute state — but also in denial. Though he thinks he might be thinking clearly, he’s not. So, the rationale becomes about trying to get ahead and change his story, for himself but also his son, Hunter, all while there’s an elephant in the other room.
Chisa Hutchinson is one of the most exciting writers working today. What are your thoughts on her work and words?
Chisa is just a gem of a human. She’s so kind and generous and cares deeply about so much. She wants her actors to succeed, and her dialogue is a blast to play with. And she’s pushing all of us, especially the audience, to dig deep. Not many people these days are taking artistic risks. But she is, and that right there says it all. Suffice it to say, I am a fan.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Amerikin, written by Chisa Hutchinson and starring Daniel Abeles, continues at 59E59 Theaters in a Primary Stages production. Click here for more information and tickets.
