THURSDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2010 17:39
Mattilyn Rochester, who has a recurring role on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” will star in Theatre Double’s production of “Black Nativity.” — SUBMITTED PHOTO
Rochester appears as babysitter for “Margaret Schroeder,” played by Kelly MacDonald. One of the only African-American characters to be seen in the entire episode, Rochester’s character plays an important role in revealing key information about the relationship between “Nucky” and Ms. Schroeder.
“When I went to Brooklyn, which is where they actually shot most of ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ we did a table read, and I was literally the only Black person at the table read. There might have been one person of color that was maybe on the writing team, or was possibly a grip or photographer, but that was the only other Black person I saw walking around.”
“Boardwalk Empire” is set in Atlantic City, N.J., during the Prohibition era. This period drama follows Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (played by “Sopranos” star Steve Buscemi). “Nucky” (based on the historical Enoch L. Johnson) interacts with several historical figures, including mobsters — namely Al Capone, politicians and government agents. The government takes an interest in the bootlegging industry and other illegal activities in the area, sending agents to investigate possible mob connections and taking a closer look at the lavish lifestyle “Nucky” lives for a county politician.
“And historically, that’s just not accurate — and I don’t know that as the story progresses if they are going to really accurately portray where we were in Atlantic City, because we were there, and we were powerful there. African Americans had a pivotal role in the vote. I do know that the author of ‘Boardwalk Empire’ is doing a book about Blacks in Atlantic City and that the character Lucky Thompsonunderstands the power of the African-American vote. I’m hoping to see some of that in the coming season.”
During December, Rochester leads a multi-generational cast of 22 in Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” The actors range from Philadelphia Tribune founder Christopher Perry’s great-great grandchildren, Izzy Forte and Emma Perry (both 13) to 80-year-old Romance Watson.
“The challenges to be an artist in this culture can be tremendous, but there are times like this one where I can watch Madeline work and sing for hours on end where it’s really quite a treat,” said Theatre Double’s founder Michael LeLand. “We have a wonderful ensemble that’s very unique and is a celebration of the holiday time, the African-American family and a good look at the Nativity story, which is very integral to western civilization.”
“Black Nativity” is a retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely Black cast. Traditional Christmas carols are sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show. Originally written by Hughes, the show was first performed on Broadway in 1961, and was one of the first plays written by an African American to do so. Rochester, who received a Barrymore Award nomination for an earlier Ozzie Jones production of “Black Nativity” in addition to nominations for the Otto Haas Emerging Artist Award and a NAACP Image award, says it’s good to be home.
“I lived in Los Angeles for seven years and then in Japan for a year so coming back home is wonderful,” said Rochester. “It’s almost like coming full circle for me. I’m a preacher’s daughter and I have sat with the Buddha and I’ve been all over the world — and had a ball doing it — but it’s something about that name ‘Jesus’ that brings me home. I’m so excited to be doing ‘Black Nativity’ and to be singing the songs I grow up singing and to integrate them with Langston Hughes is all home for me.”
Theatre Double’s “Black Nativity” will run at historic Saint Mary’s Chapel, 1831 Bainbridge St. through Dec. 31.
Tickets can be purchased at theatredouble.net or by phone at (267) 575-4888.
Contact Tribune Staff Writer Bobbi Booker at (215) 893-5749 or bbooker@phillytrib.com.
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