Laurence Fishburne’s RIFF RAFF Return

The first time I saw Laurence Fishburne on stage, many moons ago, in a revival of THE LION IN WINTER. I remember leaning forward in my seat, entirely transfixed by his magnetic presence—even the quietest moments crackled with unspoken tension. Imagine my delight when I heard that the Tony- and Emmy-winning actor would be reprising a role from his own play, RIFF RAFF, for two special staged readings in New York City. Straightaway, I knew I had to share the scoop with fellow theatre enthusiasts who live for a momentous live performance.

Set to take place on 7 and 8 March at 7:30 PM at The Center at West Park, RIFF RAFF isn’t just any ordinary stage piece. It happens to be Laurence Fishburne’s first produced work as a playwright, having debuted Off-Broadway in 1995. The fact that he’s returning to the text—almost three decades later—speaks volumes about its lasting relevance. How many artists circle back to their earliest creations after a career that has spanned major theatre accolades and Hollywood blockbusters?

What’s more, Fishburne’s theatrical résumé is formidable. After scooping a Tony Award in 1992 for his Broadway debut in TWO TRAINS RUNNING, he went on to earn another Tony nomination for THURGOOD in 2008. Between performances in THE LION IN WINTER and the recent 2022 revival of AMERICAN BUFFALO, he’s consistently demonstrated a flair for roles that brim with intensity. In that sense, returning to RIFF RAFF is perfectly on brand. If you’ve admired him on the big screen or seen glimpses of his stage craft, these readings promise a rare opportunity to experience the raw immediacy of his talent up close and personal.

A Tale Of Crime And Brotherhood

If you’re unfamiliar with RIFF RAFF, don’t be fooled by the title. This is a gritty drama that centres on two half-brothers and an old friend whose ill-fated drug heist spirals out of control. Confined in a setting ripe for conflict—think suspicious alleyways or run-down safe houses—the trio must confront a raft of secrets and simmering tensions that test loyalty to its breaking point. The original Off-Broadway version, launched in 1995, caught attention for its unabashed exploration of fraternal bonds and moral compromise.

Beyond the gunpowder-laced storyline, Fishburne’s writing demonstrates an astute grasp of character psychology. This isn’t just a cautionary tale about petty crime gone wrong; it’s an examination of how desperation warps relationships and undermines trust. Imagine the claustrophobia of a one-room drama, jam-packed with betrayal, guilt, and the faintest glimmer of hope—intriguingly reminiscent of a modern-day Greek tragedy. It’s precisely the sort of theatrical experience that shakes audience members out of complacency.

The Cast

The upcoming staged readings aren’t short of star wattage. Laurence Fishburne will, of course, reprise his original role. Also returning from the 1995 cast is Titus Welliver, whose face you might recognise from television hits and film projects. Rounding out the team are Yul Vazquez and Stephen Adly Guirgis—both accomplished stage veterans in their own right. The chemistry between these four is likely to be electric, especially given that they’ve got a history with one another. There’s an unspoken rapport when actors share a creative past, and that energy can translate into an evening brimming with dramatic sparks.

A particularly enticing post-show perk is the talkback session with all four actors. Talkbacks are theatre gold, allowing audiences to probe the artists’ creative processes, glean behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and savour an unfiltered discussion about everything from the writing to the performance itself. Considering the gravitas of these talents—Stephen Adly Guirgis is, after all, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright in his own right—you can expect conversation that’s both candid and profound.

A Venue With Heart

Nestled at 165 West 86th Street, with an entrance on Amsterdam Avenue, The Center at West Park is no conventional theatre. It’s a not-for-profit organisation that manages a historic church, repurposing its space to accommodate arts, cultural events, and local community programmes. With a mission focused on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, they’re steadfast in preserving the landmark building while opening its doors to students, performers, and organisations who might otherwise lack a home.

All funds raised from the RIFF RAFF readings will be channelled back into The Center at West Park’s programmes and ongoing preservation work. Think of it as a win-win scenario for culture vultures: you enjoy a riveting piece of theatre—led by A-list talent—while supporting a venue that’s committed to nurturing the arts. What better reminder that theatre can be both entertaining and transformational?

The Playwright’s Evolving Perspective

What might surprise some fans is that Laurence Fishburne debuted RIFF RAFF before his film career soared to stratospheric heights with roles in The Matrix and beyond. At the time of its original Off-Broadway run, critics praised the script’s authenticity, noting how Fishburne channelled lived experiences into the dialogue’s rawness. Nearly 30 years later, his worldview has inevitably expanded. One can only imagine how that growth will colour his approach to the role this time around.

Indeed, returning to a play decades later can be akin to unearthing a time capsule. The lines might read differently; certain themes might resonate with new urgency. Perhaps Fishburne will refine the piece’s moral complexity, or maybe he’ll highlight comedic undertones that weren’t as apparent before. After all, a successful actor’s toolkit only grows richer with each role, each life experience, and each directorial collaboration. There’s something profoundly satisfying about witnessing an artist revisiting his roots and seeing how the performance evolves with time.

A Theatrical Moment Not To Be Missed

Amid the whirlwind of big-budget musicals and star-studded revivals, it’s sometimes the smaller, passion-driven projects that end up leaving the most lasting impression. RIFF RAFF feels like one of those magical confluences: a gritty, captivating script being brought to life once again by its original creative forces, in a venue that places community and inclusivity at its core.

As you settle into your seat on either 7 or 8 March, you might sense a tingle of anticipation in the air—the kind that arises when formidable talents converge to honour a piece that first earned its stripes in the mid-90s. Listen for that hush when the lights go down, and allow yourself to be drawn into a world where tough decisions collide with familial bonds and moral lines blur under pressure. It’s the essence of live theatre: raw, immediate, and deeply human.

So, if you’re aching for a theatrical encounter that promises a jolt of adrenaline and a provocative post-show debate, head to The Center at West Park. Laurence Fishburne and company will be waiting, ready to remind us that a powerful drama can stir our souls—and maybe even reshape our understanding of the world around us. When the final curtain falls, you might find that the only question left is: how soon can we get these four back on stage again?