Making a Deal with Drama: ‘Covenant’ Delivers More Than Chills
As someone who typically steers clear of horror, I approached Covenant at the Detroit Repertory Theatre with a mix of curiosity and caution. Written by York Walker (Soul Records, The Seance) and directed by Will Bryson, this Gothic play draws inspiration from the myth of blues guitarist Robert Johnson’s alleged pact with the devil. Set in 1930s Georgia, the story tells of Johnny “Honeycomb” James, a guitarist who returns to his small town with newfound musical prowess after a two-year absence, sparking rumors of a Faustian bargain. As the saying goes, with every myth there’s a kernel of truth; however, you’ll have to visit Detroit Repertory Theatre’s production of Covenant to see where the lines between reality and the occult are drawn.
[Warning: Light spoilers and impressions from Detroit Repertory Theatre’s Covenant are below!]
Immaculate vibes at Detroit Repertory Theatre set the scene for Covenant
As this was my first time attending this particular venue, I was pleasantly surprised by its quaint, intimate, and vintage vibe. As those in the theater world know, the setting is just as important as the acting on stage, and that pertains to how the theater itself is set up, not just the dressings for the show. The lobby of the Detroit Repertory Theatre includes a small restaurant menu as well as a full bar. The theatre itself sits in the midst of a neighborhood, which I think enriches both the talent that performs there and the audiences who attend. This ultimately makes the theatre feel more accessible to both the community and those already embedded in the theatre world.
Upon entering the stage area, there were just under 200 seats on a steep incline; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The stage was seamlessly integrated with the entrance level of the theater, providing an intimate experience that draws audiences into the drama unfolding on stage. The set design, featuring a church and dingy wooden fencing, effectively established a sense of foreboding. Lighting and sound design further enhanced the eerie ambiance, with sudden blackouts and special effects that bring an authentic horror feel to this production of Covenant. Those who love to be scared will thoroughly enjoy being up close and personal with a story like this, as the sense of unease is built through the proximity of the audience to the stage and the design employed by the crew.
All eyes were on the stage for York Walker’s thought-provoking play
The performances were compelling. Jesse Boyd-Williams brought a boy-next-door charm to Johnny, making the character’s descent into darkness all the more unsettling. X’ydee Alexander’s portrayal of Ruthie was particularly striking, capturing the character’s youthful energy and underlying determination. Kate McClaines’ Mama was a standout performance- holding the audience captive with her slow-building intensity and perfect character timing. Rounding out the ensemble were Kayla Von as Avery and Jarquita Evans as Violet; their chemistry as sisters felt believable, and you were consistently torn on which sister’s perspective seemed most daunting.
This play’s exploration of belief, love, and the consequences of one’s choices resonated deeply with the audience in attendance. There were a handful of moments within Detroit Repertory Theatre’s Covenant that were so shocking that the audience had audible reactions. The ending, which I won’t spoil, left me stunned and reflecting on the characters’ fates long after the curtain fell. Even as someone not typically drawn to horror, I found Covenant to be a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience.
If you’re in the Detroit area, I highly recommend catching a performance of Detroit Repertory Theatre’s production of Covenant before it concludes on July 6. It’s a testament to the power of live theater, storytelling, and the power of suggestion. You’ll be thinking about this show long after its conclusion, as its message is just as haunting as the narrative that plays out on stage. Visit the Detroit Repertory Theatre’s web page to learn more about York Walker’s Covenant, such as performance schedules and how to purchase tickets, as well as other shows coming to this local Detroit, Michigan theatre!
Have you seen Covenant before? What were your thoughts about the show? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this production and any other shows you’ve recently seen on social media @boxseatbabes!
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