Struggling To Find a Right Way

The first speech in Mark St. Germain’s “The Best of Enemies” is repulsive. But don’t let that scare you away because this is an emotionally rewarding and affecting play fueled by four sterling performances. In its world première at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA, the story is based on actual events during the desegregation of Durham, NC, schools in 1971. C.P. Ellis, the Grand Cyclops of the Durham Klavern of the Ku Klux Klan, and Ann Atwater, an African-American civil rights activist, confront each other and both are forced to examine the strengths and flaws of their arguments. Neither recognizes the underlying hatreds each harbors. A series of meetings is arranged by Bill Riddick, a black representative of the United States Department of Education, to work out solutions. In this way, the antagonists come to respect and admire things in each other as they find a way to integrate schools and improve them. As the meetings move ahead, the personal lives of Ellis and Atwater undergo wrenching changes. The relationship between Ellis and his wife, Mary (Susan Wands), parallels the development of the civil rights action but without the same rewarding results. And Atwater’s relationship with her two daughters and her hardscrabble existence are described, but meagerly ­— a minor flaw in this work. John Bedford Lloyd as Ellis is the definitive racist, flinging insults and degrading comments at Atwater (Aisha Hinds) and Riddick (Clifton Duncan). Blatant in his comfortable hatred, confused by the ensuing alienation of his friends and then noble in his newfound understanding of the need for integration, he becomes heroic. Lloyd’s transitions, in his words and his physical bearing, imbues Ellis with humanity and strength. Atwater’s righteousness is as ugly as Ellis’s rants, but hers, peppered with one-line zingers, come across as virtuous indignation. Gradually, she breaks through her defensive shell and directs her anger to constructive solutions. Though her character’s regeneration is not as vivid as Ellis’s, the actress holds the stage with fire and compassion. Duncan’s charismatic presence as Riddick masks his bold and controversial manipulation of Atwater and Ellis. He cajoles and shames them by appealing to their need to care for their own children. Ellis, who has a retarded, blind son reluctantly accepts the challenge while Atwater jumps right in. Wands’ Mary Ellis, in her displays of intelligence and sensitivity, make this the most nuanced character in the play. Director Julianne Boyd doesn’t miss an opportunity to touch the full range of emotions, from anger to love. There are several moments when the audience just has to tear up. The staging is efficient and economical. Along with David M. Barber’s set, black-and-white photos printed on floor-to-ceiling panels create a gritty atmosphere and revive an ugly era in our country’s history. St. Germain’s script has some weak points. There are many short scenes which lend an episodic quality to the production and the dialogue is less than subtle, leaving little room for dramatic ambiguity. It is, however, dynamic story-telling. From that first ugly speech through an unconventional curtain call, we are drawn into this compelling journey. The opening night audience had the opportunity to meet Atwater and Riddick. Ellis died in 2006. “The Best of Enemies” runs at Barrington Stage Company’s mainstage theater at 30 Union St., in Pittsfield, MA, through Aug. 6. For tickets call 413-236-8888.