Play Review: “And in This Corner … Cassius Clay”
Lambert Tamin stars in “And in This Corner … Cassius Clay,” being presented by The Theater Project in Summit until Aug. 24.
Set in mid-1950s Louisville, Kentucky, the young Cassius Clay — who would later change his name to Muhammad Ali — has not yet stepped into the boxing ring. Nonetheless, he displays remarkable confidence. During a debate between his brother Rudy and friend Eddie about who would win in a fight, Tarzan or The Lone Ranger, Cassius boldly claims, “I’ll beat ’em both. They’re just cartoon superheroes. I’m a real superhero.”
When told there are no “Negro superheroes,” Clay replies, “You’re looking at one, like Superman.” This assertion might seem outlandish elsewhere, but in Idris Goodwin’s 2016 play, “And in This Corner … Cassius Clay,” currently presented by The Theater Project in its New Jersey premiere, it feels fitting given the legendary stature of the real figure, who closely embodied the essence of a superhero.
Directed by Mark Spina, the play acts as an origin story, following Clay from the age of 11 to his challenge for the heavyweight title against Sonny Liston at 22. Lambert Tamin, who adeptly captures Clay’s voice, mannerisms, and boxing style, also portrays an older Ali, narrating the story in rhymes reminiscent of Ali’s unique speech. The main narrative focuses on Clay’s journey into boxing, his passion for the sport, and his rise to fame.
Spanning the years 1953 to 1964, Goodwin utilizes this timeframe to enrich the story beyond mere sports. As the Civil Rights movement intensifies, Clay grapples with determining his identity: Will he fight for personal glory or for the oppressed? In a poignant moment, he ponders, “Maybe I can be both: Fight for myself and for those who can’t.”
Rudy (Ethan Buchanan) admires his older brother while Eddie (Judah Gray) takes on the role of a budding activist, urging Clay to maximize his potential. One of the highlights is Eddie’s powerful rendition of Sam Cooke’s anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Clay’s evolution is marked by key encounters with figures such as boxing mentor Joe Martin (Gary Martins) and a confrontational neighborhood bully named Corky (Yinka Olagbegi).
Body percussion by Rudy and Eddie mimics the rhythm of boxing, adding depth to the portrayal of Clay’s relentless training. The staging cleverly represents a boxing ring and captures the relentless pace of his transformation. “And in This Corner … Cassius Clay” is accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages, featuring a compelling message that resonates universally. Tamin’s performance, backed by strong writing and a dynamic supporting cast, successfully encapsulates the spirit of a man who continues to inspire people across generations and backgrounds.
The Theater Project presents “And in This Corner … Cassius Clay” at The Oakes Center in Summit, available for viewing until Aug. 24. For more details, visit thetheaterproject.org.
