Review: ‘Colored People’s Time’ at Robey Theatre Company

From left: Jah Shams and Kimberly Bailey in "Colored People's Time: A History Play" at The Robey Theatre Company (Photo by Kermit Carlyle Photography)

Leslie Lee’s “Colored People’s Time: A History Play,” directed by Ben Guillory at The Robey Theatre Company, is a powerful series of vignettes that moves through different eras of Black American history, roughly from the 1850s to the 1950s.

The play touches on slavery, Jim Crow, the Harlem Renaissance, racism in entertainment and the early Civil Rights Movement. Instead of focusing on one central storyline, the play portrays the collective Black experience and shows how Black Americans have endured, adapted and resisted oppression across generations.

From left: Darrell Philip and James T. Lawson II in "Colored People's Time: A History Play" at The Robey Theatre Company (Photo by Kermit Carlyle Photography)

It is always refreshing to see a show where the performers understand the assignment, and this cast does not disappoint. The actors and vocalists deliver natural portrayals that feel grounded, honest and intentional. With period pieces, it can be easy for performances to become too exaggerated, but this cast takes the material seriously and lives truthfully through each moment.

Some of the most memorable vignettes include “Joe Louis Done Made Me Want to Dance/Kansas City/1938,” “Yes, That Is What They Call You in America/Germany/1944,” and “Belle Johnson/Kansas City/1938.”

From left: Jah Shams and Autumn Renae in "Colored People's Time: A History Play" at The Robey Theatre Company (Photo by Kermit Carlyle Photography)

Guillory’s direction feels controlled and collaborative. He gives the actors space to explore while keeping them connected to the truth of Lee’s text. The pacing is steady, and many scenes land with emotional weight before smoothly transitioning into the next moment. There are a few instances on the second level where sightlines make visibility difficult, but overall, staging is effective and clearly intentional.

From left: Jah Shams, PhiLip Bell, Enisha Brewster and Autumn Renae in "Colored People's Time: A History Play" at The Robey Theatre Company (Photo by Kermit Carlyle Photography)

Zoya Naqvi and Adrian Fernandez Baumann’s minimal set design supports the production without overcomplicating it. Elevated platforms work well as flexible spaces, while projections against black panels help establish time and location. Naila Aladdin Sanders’ costumes are precise and help distinguish the many shifts between characters and eras. Fernando Daniel Gonzalez’s lighting adds texture and depth, guiding the audience through changes in time, place and tone.

Crystal Nix and Cydney Wayne Davis’ sound design also plays an important role in shaping the atmosphere. Music, a cappella moments, a ticking clock, radio static, gunfire and sounds of unrest all help build the world of the play and sharpen its emotional impact.

From left: Enisha Brewster and James T. Lawson II in "Colored People's Time: A History Play" at The Robey Theatre Company (Photo by Kermit Carlyle Photography)

The themes that stayed with me most from experiencing this work are love and resilience. The play shows how Black Americans have carried both across generations, and it made me reflect on how much we have endured while still choosing love and resilience to move forward.

The audience was present and engaged from start to finish during a recent performance, and the play entertained me while also making me emotional. “Colored People’s Time” is a work that deserves to be seen and uplifted. I would absolutely see it again.

“Colored People’s Time: A History Play” continues through May 17 at The Robey Theatre Company in the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, with shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call 213-489-7402 or visit TheRobeyTheatreCompany.org. Run time is 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.