Florida Studio Theatre’s Kunstler by Jeffrey Sweet is a play that will stay with you long after the final scene.
The two-character play stars Sam Mossler as the real-life, infamous Civil Rights attorney and activist, William Kunstler, and law student Kerry, played by Anique Clements.
The play takes place in 1995 and centers around a visit to a law school where Kunstler is invited to speak. Despite numerous outside protests against him, Kunstler arrives where he meets an unenthused Kerry, who is assigned to introduce him. It’s not initially known why Kerry is perturbed by his visit. Kunstler, on the other hand, seems to be unbothered by the protests calling him "a self-hating Jew“ and other explicit names.
Despite the uncomfortable circumstances, he still invites Kerry to his birthday party at Caroline’s - a comedy club. It’s no surprise that she’s not interested.
During his lecture, Kunstler recalls some of his most controversial cases and famous clients such as The Chicago Seven, Freedom Riders, Martin Luther King, Jr., and inmates from the assault on Attica.
His podium is like his confessional booth and the audience is the priest. He reveals his highs and lows. He’s vulnerable. He speaks of his infidelities and ultimate divorce from his first wife. He nearly breaks down when he remembers his time with Martin Luther King, Jr. We can see why Kunstler breaks up the heavy subject matter with corny jokes.
The mostly stern Kerry sat quietly during most of Kunstler’s lecture but did provide some very candid facial expressions every time Kunstler made a joke, especially about Roy Cohn. There is also a funny scene where Kunstler recruits Kerry in a "mock trial“ of sorts much to her chagrin. She eventually warms up and gets into character and it makes for a very comedic scene.
Mossler makes a great Kunstler. He nails the New York accent, he has great comedic timing and he really favors the real-life Kunstler in a suit designed by Costume Designer, Lea Umberger. Mossler is a natural storyteller and keeps you engaged with each case he recalls.
Clements is quiet during a big portion of the scenes, but her performance allows us to hear from someone who opposes his decisions. Mossler and Clements have great chemistry and the banter between the two is delightful.
Mossler and Clements both starred in last month’s FST play, "The Nether.“
By the end, we discover that Kunstler’s defense of Central Park Five suspect, Yusef Salaam, is the reason why Kerry was against Kunstler’s visit. At the time, the five teens confessed to the rape of Central Park jogger, Trisha Meili.
From Kerry's perspective, this should’ve been an open and closed case. She believes the distance between representing heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. to confessed rapists is a fall from grace. Kunstler reminds her that everyone has a right to a fair trial and representation.
Yusef and the other four men, known as the Central Park Five, were exonerated in 2002 after Matias Reyes confessed to the crime and DNA evidence found that he, was in fact, the sole attacker.
Kunstler has a complicated history, but many would agree that he was, without a doubt, a fighter for the marginalized and a voice for the unheard.
Kunstler is directed by Jason Cannon and runs until March 15 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre.
Comments
No comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.