By John Lyle Belden

We got an early look at a new play, “Lockefield on the Ave,” presented by Black Light Training and Development on March 28-30, 2025, at The District Theatre. The following paragraphs are my response, posted to the PWJW Facebook page to help get the word around during its one-weekend run. Black Light is doing important artistic work with local creatives in contributing to the story of being Black in America, and especially in Indiana.

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This short play by Robert Webster focuses on the Indiana Avenue scene in Indianapolis in the mid-20th century. Percy Davis (Quinton Hayden) has a little bar on the Avenue. It was started by his father Freeman (Gene Tommy Howard) after a moment of good luck, before his fortunes reversed tragically thanks to his former boss – and Klan member – Jack Sucker (Ray Graham). Jack’s bigotry was inherited from his hooded father and Confederate grandfahter, but his son Tom (Clay Mabbitt) doesn’t see things that way and, as an aspiring journalist, goes so far as to attempt to write for the Black-owned Indianapolis Recorder. In what we will realize is a full circle moment, Tom interviews Percy to get an honest perspective on Indianapolis Avenue and the people there.

We get a lot of information on the characters and especially Indy’s Black history, aided by fellow cast members T. J. O’Neil, Sam Hill, and Tamara Taylor. Much of it feels like a sort of staged documentary, but the true story of the Avenue is something we all need to learn or be reminded of, as it has been largely left out of local history.

With tight direction by Eric Washington, this play is like a rough-cut diamond. There is a lot of potential for Webster and Black Light to polish and form with more drama and perhaps a two-act structure to bring together its elements – including plot points like the Davis pocketwatch, publishing the story, and the Sucker family dynamic – into a priceless gem of theatre. What we have so far is like a healthy first course of soul food, making us hungry for more.

Note that to be authentic, the N-word and opinions that thankfully are not so common now are freely expressed, in their proper context. Take comfort that this show ends with a moment of unity.

A big shout-out to Black Light interim artistic director TJ Rowley for giving me and Wendy a sneak-peek at this precious jewel, with our hope of continued success for the company.