Alex Emanuel's new play "Come and Knock Down my Door" tackles the infamous insurrection on our Capitol; Jan. 6th, 2021 resulting in 5 fatalities, 174 injured which was based on Trump's false claims the presidential election was stolen. The play starts with a gobsmacked reminder of the unimaginable events witnessed lived on television. We witness James (Kris Coleman) reaction to the news with his mouth agape, his eyes wide open as he stares stupefied at the havoc ensued by Trump's plan to overturn the election. Jan. 6th, 2021 is a date that will live in infamy. It was at the time when our nation was still in throes of the COVID pandemic. The concept and clarion call for these topical matters to be presented are in demand. There's a slight comedic touch that keeps the play from feeling pedantic or tedious. Unfortunately, the immediacy of delivering a knockout punch of these momentous events are blurred in its disheveled delivery. James is joined soon after in his squalid Brooklyn apartment by his roommate Pablo (Jared Ritter). Pablo is famished and agitated. When asked where he's been, Pablo says he was in D.C. for the rally. Stunned, James wants to know why he could take part in the rioting. Pablo informs him he only went to see what it was all about and that he didn't partake in any of the violence. A third roommate and James' Russian girlfriend, Mina (Lana Ayrapetyants) returns to the apartment she begrudgingly shares with Pablo. She's had a problem with James from the get go with his illegal drug stash in their place. The masks and Covid protocols are a sobering reminder of this isolating period and of the mounting distrust it instilled. Missing however, is a needed backstory as to how the 3 came to share the apartment. Also flagrantly missing is an understanding of the disparaging political leanings held by the trio. James glimpses a shot of Pablo at the rally on TV asking the public to notify officials if they recognize anyone. James confers briefly with Mina whether they should report Pablo. There doesn't seem to be much conviction that would make them want to turn their roommate over to the FBI. Yet, James is quick to call the toll free number to report Pablo. It was an oversight not to illicit a discussion amongst the roommates about their thoughts regarding Trump or the election. Mina's immigrant status opened up another avenue that was a missed opportunity to explore. The rioters on Capitol Hill at Trump's urging, called for Pence's hanging in what was a harrowing, shameful day in history. Unfortunately, we're left hanging in a crucial time frame without strong views on any side. Furthermore, it's unclear what Emmanuel wanted us to take away which would have made for a more meaningful play about an unforgettable day in history.
