REVIEW: Kunstler, White Bear Theatre, Kennington

Say the name William Kunstler to any American lawyer and chances are they will know exactly who you are talking about, because Kunstler was a leading civil rights lawyer whose life’s work was devoted to representing the victims of injustice.

And now the story of his remarkable career as a civil rights activist has been brought to life in award-winning playwright Jeffrey Sweet’s play Kunstler.

“I had met William Kunstler many years ago.” said Jeffrey, who has flown in from his native New York for the staging of his play at the White Bear Theatre in London’s Kennington. “But it was only when I saw a film that his daughter had made about his life, that I though about writing a play about him. And when I watched the film, I knew exactly who I wanted to play the title role – actor Jeff McCarthy, who bears a remarkable resemblance to Kunstler.”

The play premiered in America off-Broadway and now Londoners have the chance to learn about the man whose famous cases included The Freedom Riders, The Chicago 7, Attica Prison riot, Wounded Knee 2, and the Central Park Yusef Salaam rape case. Set in a university lecture theatre against the backdrop of students protesting at Kunstler being invited to address members of the law faculty, the task falls to one reluctant student, Kerry, wonderfully portrayed by Nykila Norman, to greet him when everyone else is suddenly “otherwise engaged”.

A biographical play, the story of Kunstler’s life and career unfolds as he takes to the stage to present his lecture. American actor Jeff McCarthy, who has had a star-studded career in theatre, TV and film, is a wonderfully convincing Kunstler. His standout performance at The White Bear has earned him a nomination for an Offwestend Offie award for best lead performer in a play.

The 90-minute-long play is a remarkable insight into the American justice system, told through Kunstler’s eyes. Far from being a dull exposition, Jeffrey Sweet’s skilfully-written script creates moments of levity and humour. And, as the story unfolds, the audience learns why students are protesting about Kunstler’s presence at the faculty.

Kunstler is at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington until 18 May. Tickets are priced at £18. whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/kunstler

On May 13 there is a screening of the documentary film William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe – the inspiration for this play.

On May 14 there is a post-show Q and A with Kunstler’s two daughters Sarah and Emily Kunstler, and playwright Jeffrey Sweet.

On May 15 there is a post-show Q and A on British civil and human rights hosted by Sir Simon Hughes, former Minister for Justice and Civil Rights.