Review: “The Ford/Hill Project” at REDCAT
Overview
“The Ford/Hill Project” returns the audience to the audacious testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford regarding their experiences with Supreme Court nominees Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh. This compelling documentary drama, crafted by Elizabeth Marvel and directed by Lee Sunday Evans, extracts verbatim transcripts from the hearings held nearly thirty years apart, showcasing the persistent challenges women face in a patriarchal society.
Staging and Performances
Set in a simple circle of wooden chairs, four actors—including Marvel, who played Ford in a previous venue—bring the gravity of these testimonies to life. Rosemarie DeWitt portrays Ford here, emphasizing the emotional weight and professionalism in her delivery. Betty Gabriel as Hill reflects both composure and vulnerability in the face of intimidating questioning.
The actors utilize in-ear monitors that play edited sounds from the actual hearings, enhancing the authenticity while allowing the audience to experience these historical moments anew.
Themes and Direction
The play effectively interweaves the narratives of both women, revealing ingrained gender biases and societal norms that continue to echo in modern times. Hill recounts a toxic workplace, while Ford recalls a life-altering incident—a juxtaposition that underscores their shared fight for truth and equality.
Dulé Hill’s portrayal of Thomas and Rich Sommer as Kavanaugh add depth, as they reveal the contradictions and defenses employed during the hearings. The actors dynamically shift roles, making the lines between questions and answers blur, enhancing the drama’s intensity.
Critical Moments
Highlights include Ford’s poignant recollections and Hill’s articulation of harassment’s cost to her career. The production refrains from explicit commentary, allowing the proceedings to resonate on their own merit. Ironically, senators misinterpret Shakespeare in their defense of Thomas, symbolizing the ignorance pervasive in these discussions.
Conclusion
The production concludes with a reflective moment, where Thomas and Kavanaugh, now donned in their judicial robes, take their places in the narrative of American justice. Despite its heavy themes, “The Ford/Hill Project” resonates with hope, celebrating the courage of both women while acknowledging the ongoing struggles for justice in American society. The production serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for equality and truth amidst a backdrop of institutional power.
