This Bitter Earth presented by Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Art Center

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Fleetwood-Jourdain artistic director Tim Rhoze provides exceptional direction here, and the set (which he codesigned with technical director Shane Rogers) perfectly complements the actions. The stage walls are literally filled with graffiti, the etchings seemingly shouting the frustrations of Americans-and especially Americans of color-navigating the 21st century. Rhoze and Rogers additionally dot the stage with mounted frames of varying shapes and sizes, against which Lolar-Johnson and Godwaldt perform pivotal scenes from Jesse and Neil's relationship."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Nicely, this final production in the 2023 season of Evanston's Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is directed with natural potency and flair by Tim Rhoze, the company's Artistic Director. The gorgeous rhythms of Rivers' monologue heavy script, often addressing the circumstances of chronic pain, racial injustice and gay bashing, are also given depth and heft. The set, reflecting those urban yet universal themes, is an intrinsic participant here, as well. The graffiti-style art of the layered panels, designed by Rhoze and Shane Rogers, aids greatly in establishing the mindset of the piece's passionate, loveably flawed characters."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"..."This Bitter Earth" is a two-character play, written by Harrison David Rivers, that focuses on the dynamics of a gay interracial couple in a committed relationship. This intimate portrait has to do with how these two men from very different circumstances internalize well-publicized incidents involving police brutality and the killings of several African Americans that have led to the eruption of major public protests in U.S. cities. The script gives us a glimpse of how such relatively recent historical events affect the couple's rapport with each other."

MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended

"...A rich, layered and moving portrait of a biracial couple for whom love conquers opposing political views, class and race tensions and starkly different personalities is onstage at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. It is a show not to be missed."

Evanston Roundtable - Highly Recommended

"...It is a compliment to both actors that they can carry this 90-minute performance with such a sustained personal commitment and such meaningful racial perspectives. Their performances create a special experience for the audience."