Covenant

After attending Press Night and experiencing the riveting performance of "The Covenant" at Goodman Theatre, I was approached by several people who wanted to know my thoughts on the play. My reply was, "It was interesting." While I typically reserve my discussions about a performance until after I've written my review, what I felt in that moment was just the beginning of a much deeper connection I formed with York Walker's work. I wanted it to dwell within me, to meditate on the true brilliance of his narrative, ignited by a profound passion that made the actors portraying souls who lived on the earth some 90 years ago feel like an integral part of my everyday life. Written by York Walker, "Covenant," a play inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson shares a enthralling tale, where "Everybody got a secret," is a captivating Southern Gothic play that masterfully entangles a legendary man of the blues with the gripping elements of love, lust, and a deal with the Devil, psychological horror, inspiring audiences to reflect on the depths of culture, the power of sins, and the secrets they hold, and how they can destroy your every soul.

York noted that he has always been interested in writing a horror play and has been searching for a storyline that fits his original premise of a girl in darkness. During his search, he remembered the story of Robert Johnson and brought the myth together with his original imagination, resulting in the masterpiece Covenant. I would reckon that many people, even those at the theater, truly didn't know who Robert Johnson was before the movies and plays. According to legend, the man met the Devil at a Mississippi crossroads and sold his soul for mastery of the guitar. Last year, Chicago Steppenwolf Theatre's production of Ngozi Anyanwu's "Leroy and Lucy" provided some insight. Still, Walker's look into Johnson's life is closer to the demonic movie Sinners, minus the vampires. York's Covenant radically reverses the mythic saga of Johnson's life, known as Johnny "Honeycomb," James, in this production, making him part of a narrative of multiple characters with secrets. It begins in a small town in Georgia in 1936, with a young lady lighting a match, telling us that we all have secrets. Secrecies we would prefer no one knew, and stories of those secrets sometimes become legendary. One of those legendary secrets was about Johnny "Honeycomb" James—an unimportant boy who became a man of little value, known more for his persistent stutter. Johnny was a struggling guitarist seeking fame, who left his Georgia roots, returning home as a charismatic, world-class blues sensation that captivates the souls of all who hear his music.  

Whispers ripple through the town, and many speculate that he struck a secretive "deal with the devil" in the shadows of a local graveyard. Walker carries the narrative further, bringing Johnny's townspeople into the scenario of secrets. He has always loved a girl named Avery, Mama's older daughter, who is a devout, stern matriarch of the family. Her rigid religious beliefs create a tense atmosphere in the home and those around her. She doesn't like Johnny and fears he will guide Avery away from the church and into an unholy life. Violet is Avery's younger sister, who is skeptical of both Johnny and the strict religious environment forced on her by her mother, who always seems to fuss at her and never shows her the love she has for Avery, making her feel there is no God or Devil, just evil people. Ruthie is Violet's best friend, a catalyst for the rumors surrounding Johnny's success, and the person who knows the red-envelope fable about those who sell their souls. Everyone has their secrets, and Walker shares them all within his 1-hour and 40-minute production! 

Covenant delves into the hidden depths of our desires, exploring the lure of forbidden love and the inner demons we conjure up at the crossroads to fulfill our passions. It reveals the complexity between what we crave and what we know we shouldn't chase. The play's pure, raw emotions are simply captivating! You become so caught up in each character that you can't stop watching. The cast delivered an exceptional performance, with Debo Balogun as Johnny, bringing a blend of newfound confidence and charm to the role. Jaeda LaVonne was outstanding as the obedient daughter, Avery, who defies her mother's wishes and leaves with Johnny to escape her secret. Ashli Rene Funches, in her portrayal of Ruthie, showcased a remarkable balance of humor and vulnerability. Felicia Oduh brought a strong-willed presence to Violet, a daughter who despised religion, church, and God for the lack of love she received from her mother. Anji White, embodying the role of Mama, that black mother, who doesn't play, who, above all, believes in God. She commanded the stage with her powerful presence and heartfelt delivery. Malkia Stampley skillfully directs this amazing production. She's a talented actor, stage director, and producer who brings a keen eye that adds emotional depth to this performance. Currently serving as Bold Artistic Producer at Goodman, she continues to make a significant impact in the world of theater.

Although I'm not sure it was his intent, it does, in essence, through the character of Violet, question the presence of God and the Devil and seems to point a hypocritical finger at those with religious beliefs. Religion in the black culture has always been a powerful force that guides us against the forces of evil, be it natural or supernatural. Walker uses the "If you confess your sins" power of faith to highlight the struggles to hold on to their secrets, forcing themto bury their true selves in exchange for moral or social acceptance, leading to deep emotional wounds. The powerful substory of the demons within the narrative may not be supernatural entities, but more about the hidden truths we keep from one another, and the demonic lies we tell ourselves. Covenant also follows the classic horror film narrative, which often unfolds in a way that suggests the forces of evil hold an undeniable power that far surpasses the strength of faith. This recurring theme always raises my eyebrow, as it challenges the notion that belief and hope can't triumph over darkness. I believe that Walker is suggesting that evil is more opportunistic, thriving on humanity's secrets and guilt. Walker skillfully pokes at the negative effects that rumors can cause, and the stories people share, whether factual or lies, have power.

There were several moments during the play when you found yourself grappling with the narrative, unsure of its ultimate direction. This ambiguity may have been a deliberate choice by Walker, meant to cover his crossroads demon twist in mystery and gradually unveil the hidden secrets of who is actually striking a deal in exchange for their soul. However, as the climax approached, everything connected and a stunning finale.

This play needs more time at Goodman. It's a true find. It's compelling blend of rumors, myth, truth, and gothic horror that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, afraid to blink and missing the suspense. It's a must-see.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

The Goodman

Covenant

Written by York Walker

Directed by Malkia Stampley

On stage through May 31, 2026

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