The American Civil War was anything but civil, but playwright Richard Strand has found a way to create a fascinating, thought-provoking and (believe it or not) funny play about one of its more interesting incidents.
Strand’s play “Ben Butler” runs through Nov. 14 at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. NCRT’s artistic director David Ellenstein helms the play.
It’s 1861, hostilities have just begun, and Union Army Major General Benjamin Butler (Richard Baird) has just arrived to take over at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He’s reading a telegram on his desk when his stiff young adjutant, West Point graduate Lieutenant Kelly, enters. Butler looks up.
“It informs me that last night, Virginia seceded from the Union,” Butler says.“What do you make of that?”
“Not much,” answers Kelly. “It only makes official what we already know.”
Kelly has another reason to talk to his boss. “There is a Negro slave outside who is demanding to speak with you,” he says. In fact, he reports, there are three runaway slaves at Ft. Monroe, and they are seeking sanctuary.
Butler informs Kelly that legally he must return slaves to their owners, but when Kelly seems fearful to relay the message, Butler tells him to show the slave in.
This is the beginning of a most unusual relationship. Butler, who loves his authority and his sherry (he offers the latter to everyone who walks into the office) is also likely the only Union officer who voted “57 times” for Jefferson Davis as president of the Confederacy, before war broke out and Butler changed sides.
Likewise, Shepard Mallory (Brandon J. Pierce) is a different kind of slave. He seems most concerned that no one find out that he knows how to read. But he says his main problem is that he can’t resist telling the truth, which, he says, has made him universally hated. As proof, he lifts his shirt to reveal deep scars on his back from whipping.
When Butler asks why, Mallory’s response is “I was whipped because me and the man with the whip just saw things differently.”
That is also his philosophical reason for this – or any – war. Mallory and the other slaves escaped from making fortifications for the Confederate cause. He says they now want to help the Union cause.
Butler thinks a better idea is for the slaves to escape, but Mallory will have none of it. So Butler is stuck with them.
Baird is masterful as the turncoat Confederate who can be clever, exasperating, or just plain stubborn. If you’re wondering about that hair, Google the real Butler and see what the original looked like.
Mackey’s dutiful lieutenant is suitably – and comically – subservient, and always fun to watch.
Pierce is excellent as the slave Mallory, too smart for his own good but delightful to watch as well.
Bruce Turk is likewise fine as Confederate Army Major Cary, who comes to collect the slaves toward the end of the play.
Marty Burnett’s set is properly spare and utilitarian, and lighting and costumes are (as always) wonderfully handled by Matthew Novotny and Renetta Lloyd, respectively.
What will happen? I’m not disclosing it, but know that “Ben Butler” is a clever, fascinating “think piece” that will give you plenty to talk about on the way home.
“Ben Butler” runs through November 14, 2021 at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
Shows Wednesday at 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets: northcoastrep.org; (858) 481-1055
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